If you’re at all concerned about your health and the effects of air pollution, you really should use an air mask. A new study has found that exposure to particulate matter can trigger cell changes that lead to lung cancer.

The research, presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Presidential Symposium in Paris, suggests that people with no history of smoking can develop lung cancer as a result of exposure to air pollution.

If you live in a big city you need an air mask

The findings highlight the importance of protecting yourself from air pollution, whether you live in a big city or are simply visiting one. Wearing an air pollution mask is a simple and effective way to reduce your exposure to harmful particles in the air.

The researchers found that driver mutations in EGFR and KRAS genes, commonly found in lung cancers, are actually present in normal lung tissue and are a likely consequence of aging.

However, when lung cells with these mutations were exposed to air pollutants, they saw more cancers and these occurred more quickly than when lung cells with these mutations were not exposed to pollutants.

This suggests that air pollution promotes the initiation of lung cancer in cells harboring driver gene mutations. The next step is to discover why some lung cells with mutations become cancerous when exposed to pollutants while others don’t.

PM2.5 is severely harmful to your health

Particulate matter or particle pollution in the air is a mix of solid particles and liquid droplets, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Some are emitted in the form of dirt, dust, soot, or smoke, and they can come from fossil fuel-fired plants, cars, and construction sites, among other sources.

These tiny air pollutants can have a big impact on your health. When inhaled, they can travel deep into your lungs and even enter your bloodstream. PM 2.5 has been linked to asthma, cardiovascular disease, and other respiratory illnesses. So it’s important to be aware of these pollutants and take steps to protect yourself from them.

More and more research is linking air pollution to an increased risk of cancer, even in nonsmokers. This new study has found that exposure to air pollution can result in driver mutations in the EGFR and KRAS genes, which may be responsible for lung cancer in people who have never smoked.

One study estimated that 107,000 premature deaths in the United States in 2011 were attributable to air particulate matter, costing society $886 billion. So it’s clear that this is a serious issue with far-reaching consequences. If you’re worried about your health, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks of exposure to air pollution.

How to protect yourself from air pollution

Don’t despair – there are things you can do to protect yourself. First and foremost, invest in a good quality air pollution mask. This will help to filter out harmful particles from the air you breathe and is an essential piece of kit if you live in an urban area with high levels of air pollution. Additionally, try to avoid spending prolonged periods of time outdoors on days when air pollution levels are high, and stay up-to-date with local air quality reports so you can plan your activities accordingly. By taking these simple precautions, you can help to minimize the health risks posed by air pollution.

The new STYLESEAL PRO mask is the obvious choice when it comes to protection and comfort. The mask conforms to both KN95 and ASTM F3502 international standards, and is reusable, making it great for the planet as well as for you.

The soft foam liner keeps the mask sealed and leaves room for your face to breathe, while the high-flow mesh fabric makes breathing easy and cools your face during hot weather. Choose from three different filters – PRO-SAFE for maximum KN95 protection, PRO-FLOW for better breathability at high filtration, or PRO-COOL for the most comfort.