STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF FINE PARTICULATE MATTER (PM 2,5) ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PULMONARY NEOPLASMS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
Abstract
Air pollution, especially from fine particulate matter (PM2,5), represents a significant public health risk and is directly linked to increased lung cancer incidence and mortality. This study, conducted through an integrative literature review, aimed to analyze the influence of PM2,5 on the development of pulmonary neoplasms. Searches were carried out in PubMed, BVS, and SciELO databases, considering publications from 2014 to March 2025, in English and Portuguese. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in 10 selected original articles. The data indicate that chronic exposure to PM2,5 is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, even at concentrations below international safety limits. Populations near industrial zones, ports, or wildfire-affected areas face significantly higher risks. Molecular studies show PM2,5 can induce genetic alterations, activate oncogenic pathways—such as Wnt/β-catenin—and promote metastasis through oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and impaired DNA repair mechanisms. PM2,5 plays a key role in lung carcinogenesis, contributing to both tumor initiation and progression. Its harmful effects are exacerbated by prolonged exposure, even at supposedly safe levels. These findings highlight the urgent need for stricter air pollution control policies.
Author Biographies
Bacharel em Biomedicina.
Doutora em Farmacologia.
Bacharel em Biomedicina.
Bacharel em Biomedicina.
Bacharel em Biomedicina.
Bacharel em Biomedicina.
Bacharel em Biomedicina.
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