Air Pollution and Lung Cancer: A Case Study of Bangkok Residents: Some Preliminary Findings

Priyakamon Siriwan, Mahidol University
Sureeporn Punpuing, Mahidol University
Chai Podhisita, Mahidol University
Alan N. Gray, Mahidol University
Somkiat Wongtim, Chulalongkorn University
Martin A. Hooper, Monash University
Philip Rayment, Monash University

Air pollution has become one of the major problems impacting quality of life of the residents in Bangkok city. Since Bangkok is the biggest urban area of Thailand, it is hypothesized that lung cancer is increased with the increasing level of air pollution. In this case control study, residential history, occupational exposure, smoking habit and other health risk taking behaviors such as transport mode and commuting pattern are taken into account. The primary objective in this research is to establish that air pollution is a risk factor in lung cancer for Bangkok residents. Direct measurement of air pollution was carried out using personal pumps in order to measure the air particulate matter level, PM10. Analysis of carcinogenic markers such as BC and PAH was performed. The preliminary results imply a relationship between air pollution and lung cancer risk in Bangkok residents who are exposed to high air pollution across time.