15% of lung cancers caused by fine particles, says foundation

According to Belgium’s Foundation Against Cancer, 15% of lung cancer cases in Belgium – or 1,050 cases annually –  are caused by fine particles in the air. The foundation’s announcement came with a warning: Quality of air inside people’s homes is often worse than outside.

The foundation cites several indoor environmental concerns, including smoking, cleaning products, scented candles, incense and pesticides. In the kitchen, it noted, heating up oil in a pan is more damaging than grilling in the oven at the same temperature.

The foundation advised residents to air out their homes daily basis, ensure proper ventilation and avoid having too many things that create a lot of fine dust, like candles. Overall, air quality in Belgium is improving, it said, but the goals for fine dust have not yet been reached.

Photo by Robyn Lee