Aerosolized Coal Fly Ash: Risk Factor for Lung Cancer | Chapter 06 | Current Trends in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 1
Introduction:
Coal is burned by electric utilities, about 10% remains as ash. The heavy ash
settles, while the light coal fly ash (CFA) condenses and accumulates in the
flue gases. In India and China CFA is usually allowed to exit smokestacks, but
in Western nations it is trapped and sequestered for public health reasons.
Epidemiological evidence indicates that aerosolized particulate pollution in
the size range ≤ 2.5 µm is associated with numerous risks to health including,
but not limited to lung cancer.
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. CFA contains a plethora of potentially carcinogenic agents likely
to have cumulative additive and/or synergistic interactions with long-term
exposure. The CFA industry can be diligent about minimizing the likelihood of
CFA aerosolization for sake of workers and those living in the proximity of CFA
dumps. Jet-spraying of CFA into the regions where clouds form represents a
potential global and previously unrecognized long-term risk factor for
respiratory disease and lung cancer, especially in vulnerable populations.
Biography of author(s)
J. Marvin Herndon
Transdyne
Corporation 11044 Red Rock Drive, San Diego, CA 92131, USA.
Mark Whiteside
Florida
Department of Health in Monroe County, 1100 Simonton Street, Key West, FL
33040, USA.
View Volume: https://doi.org/10.9734/BPI/ctmmr/v1
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