Air Pollution: How Does It Affect Lung Health?

You’re not alone if the planet’s health is what’s top-of-mind when thinking about air pollution. But have you ever considered how it affects your own? It’s invisible, but air pollution is all around us — containing particulate matter small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. In today’s episode, we unpack what long-term air pollution exposure can mean for our health down the line.Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)Expert: Dr. Eric Bernicker, Thoracic Medical OncologistNotable topics covered: The link between air pollution exposure, lung cancer risk and other lung issuesThe science of how air pollution affects the lungsHow people with underlying lung issues, like asthma, are even more susceptibleWhether all types of air pollution (car exhaust, factory smoke, etc.) are equally harmfulThe correlation between length of air pollution exposure and a person’s riskWhether lung cancer screening should be expanded to never-smokersThe way forward, including actionable steps you can take to reduce your riskIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.