Can air pollution contribute to lung cancer?

Yes, air pollution is considered a contributing factor to the development of lung cancer.12

Air pollution contains particulate matter—consisting of minute solid particles and liquid droplets—that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Once these particles settle in the lungs, they are associated with the development of cancer, often through the induction of inflammatory responses and the production of reactive oxygen species that can damage cells. Fine particulates, particularly those less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter ($P{M}_{2.5}$), are of specific concern due to their ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system.314

While it is established that air pollution is a health hazard linked to various respiratory conditions, the exact magnitude of its contribution to the incidence of lung cancer remains difficult to quantify with certainty, as lung cancer is a multifactorial disease. Efforts to control air pollution are recognized as a key component of public health strategies aimed at the prevention of lung cancer.52