Coal Fly Ash Aerosol: Risk Factor for Lung Cancer
Mark Whiteside, J. Marvin Herndon
Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research · pp. 1–10 · Published 15 Feb 2018
10.9734/JAMMR/2018/39758Abstract
Aim: Coal fly ash (CFA) is a major contributor to ambient air pollution in China and India, but it is trapped and sequestered in Western nations. Members of the public chronically exposed to aerosolized CFA are likely to have an increased incidence of respiratory disease, including lung cancer. Our objective is to review the multiple carcinogenic constituents of aerosolized coal fly ash in connection with their potentiality to cause lung cancer. Methods: We review the interdisciplinary scientific and medical literature. Results: CFA contains a variety of potentially carcinogenic substances including aluminosilicates, an iron oxide-containing magnetic fraction, several toxic trace elements, nanoparticles, and alpha-particle-emitting radionuclides. Silica, arsenic, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium are found in CFA and all have been associated with increased lung cancer risk. Radical generation catalyzed by transition metals associated with the particulate matter in CFA can result in a cascade of cell signaling, transcription factor activation, and mediator release. Ferric iron in the aluminum-silicate glass phase of CFA is a source of bioavailable iron. There is emerging evidence that reactive iron induces cancer stem cells and aggressive phenotypes in lung cancer. The potential pulmonary toxicity and carcinogenicity of aerosolized CFA is suggested by studies of asbestos, a fibrous silicate that also contains iron oxide. CFA contains an abundance of ultrafine particles and nanoparticles, including magnetite (Fe3O4). These tiny particles are toxic to lung cells, capable of producing oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. Radioactive elements are concentrated in CFA. CFA can settle deep in the lungs where its alpha-particle-emitting radionuclides pose significant risk factors for lung cancer. Conclusion: Considering the well-known and manifold toxicities of CFA, the public should be made aware of the potential risks for lung cancer and severe respiratory disease posed by aerosolized CFA including its use in climate alteration activities.
Cited by 88
Mark Whiteside, J. Marvin Herndon · Asian Journal of Biology · 2018
J. Marvin Herndon, Mark Whiteside · Asian Journal of Biology · 2020
Mark Whiteside, J. Marvin Herndon · Asian Journal of Biology · 2019
J. Marvin Herndon · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2018
J. Marvin Herndon · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2018
J. Marvin Herndon, Mark Whiteside · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2019
J. Marvin Herndon, Mark Whiteside · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2019
J. Marvin Herndon · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2019
J. Marvin Herndon, Raymond D. Hoisington, Mark Whiteside · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2020
Aadil Shafi Bhat, Mizna Ahmed, Kashif Abbas, Mohd Mustafa, Mudassir Alam, Mansour A.S. Salem, Sidra Islam, Irfan Qadir Tantry, Yogendra Singh, Muizzah Fatima, Nazura Usmani, Mohd Faraz, Mohammad Afeef, Safia Habib · Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry · 2024
Showing 23 of 88 known citations — external sources report more than can currently be individually listed.
Related research
- Aerosols in Dental Practice- A Neglected Infectious Vector — shares topic coverage
- Study of Aerosol Impact on the Solar Potential Available in Burkina Faso, West Africa — shares topic coverage
- Aerosol Optical Depths during Two Harmattan Seasons in Ile-Ife, Nigeria — shares topic coverage
- Comparative Analysis of Aerosol Optical Properties over High Altitude Region of Western Ghats in Southern India — shares topic coverage
- A Review of Household Products Induced Secondary Organic Aerosols Formation in Indoor Environment — shares topic coverage
Article metrics
Real usage data collected on this platform.
113
Page views
0
PDF downloads
53
Outbound clicks
88
Citations
Views over time
Views by country
Approximate, from request IP at view time — not citizenship or institution. Countries with fewer than 5 views are grouped as "Other".
Traffic sources
Referring site, by host.
Views and downloads exclude known bots/crawlers. Citations combines this platform's own DOI-resolved index with each external source's own reported total — see Cited by above for individually listed citing works. Last refreshed 0 seconds ago.