Smoking Cigarettes|Smoking Cigarettes
Cigars, Hookahs, Pot, Vaping|Cigars, Hookahs, Pot, Vaping
All exposure to smoke increases one's chance of developing lung cancer and that includes non-cigarettes (and non-tobacco) forms of smoking, such as hookahs, vaping, marijuana and cigars.
It doesn't matter that most people do not inhale cigar smoke—exposure to cigars and some of the products used to treat the tobacco leaves raises one's risk, because these products often contain toxic, cancer-causing materials.
That said, rates of cancer (and heart disease) are lower for cigar smokers than they are for cigarette smokers.
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All exposure to smoke increases one's chance of developing lung cancer and that includes non-cigarettes (and non-tobacco) forms of smoking, such as hookahs, vaping, marijuana and cigars.
It doesn't matter that most people do not inhale cigar smoke—exposure to cigars and some of the products used to treat the tobacco leaves raises one's risk, because these products often contain toxic, cancer-causing materials.
That said, rates of cancer (and heart disease) are lower for cigar smokers than they are for cigarette smokers.
Radon Exposure|Radon Exposure
Radon, a radioactive gas, causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. But since you can't see, smell or otherwise detect radon without special equipment, it's important to test the air in your home (especially your basement, because radon can be found in rocks, soil and groundwater).
It is especially important to know radon levels if you or someone you live with is a smoker, since the combination of both greatly increases the risk of developing lung cancer than either one of those factors alone. That said, more than 10 percent of cancers due to radon are among nonsmokers.
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Radon, a radioactive gas, causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. But since you can't see, smell or otherwise detect radon without special equipment, it's important to test the air in your home (especially your basement, because radon can be found in rocks, soil and groundwater).
It is especially important to know radon levels if you or someone you live with is a smoker, since the combination of both greatly increases the risk of developing lung cancer than either one of those factors alone. That said, more than 10 percent of cancers due to radon are among nonsmokers.
Workplace Exposure|Workplace Exposure
Some workplaces expose employees to environmental hazards that contribute to lung cancer. Jobs in agriculture, forestry and fishing; construction and painting; and manufacturing and mining often require workers to be exposed to chemicals, exhaust, certain types of dust or even asbestos. Other service industry jobs might require workers to be out in the sun too long on most (or many) work days, which also increases the risks for lung cancer.
Protective gear can go a long way in containing exposure, but only if available and used correctly.
Asbestos Exposure
Though asbestos use has been banned in the U.S., many countries continue to use it despite its known health risks. Moreover, some old buildings still contain the material, leaving people exposed and at risk of this highly conductive and ultimately dangerous mineral.
While no study has definitely proven that asbestos causes cancer, many studies have found a link between asbestos and greater risks for developing lung diseases, including cancer.
Arsenic in the Water
Thousands of Americans get water into their homes from private wells, where the water is exposed to arsenic, an element that occurs naturally in rocks and soil. Arsenic dissolves out of rock when the water level drops, allowing the element to seep into drinking, bathing and cleaning water. In addition to also being used in some agricultural chemicals, arsenic is also combined with other chemicals and used to treat outdoor wood.
Lung cancer is one illness associated with prolonged exposure to arsenic.
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Thousands of Americans get water into their homes from private wells, where the water is exposed to arsenic, an element that occurs naturally in rocks and soil. Arsenic dissolves out of rock when the water level drops, allowing the element to seep into drinking, bathing and cleaning water. In addition to also being used in some agricultural chemicals, arsenic is also combined with other chemicals and used to treat outdoor wood.
Lung cancer is one illness associated with prolonged exposure to arsenic.
Diesel Fuel|Diesel Fuel
A lot of people swear by their diesel cars, but exposure to the fuel and fumes may contribute to an increased risk for lung cancer. Mechanics, truck drivers and others working jobs around large, diesel-fueled vehicles should also understand the risks they face (particularly if they are smokers) and receive instruction on how to minimize contact with diesel fuel and fumes.
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A lot of people swear by their diesel cars, but exposure to the fuel and fumes may contribute to an increased risk for lung cancer. Mechanics, truck drivers and others working jobs around large, diesel-fueled vehicles should also understand the risks they face (particularly if they are smokers) and receive instruction on how to minimize contact with diesel fuel and fumes.
