New clues on causes of thoracic cancer

A newly discovered form of free radical particles could be harmful to humans when bonded with pollution in the air caused by the combustion process, scientists report.

The effects on humans are still unknown, but researchers have already speculated that this previously unknown form of pollutant could explain why non-smokers can develop diseases, like lung cancer, which are often considered to be caused by the use of tobacco.

While the scientific community has long been aware of "free radicals" in the atmosphere-atoms, molecules, and molecule fragments that can harm cells-it was generally believed that these particles were so unstable that they could not exist for more than a few moments. Not so, according to H. Barry Dellinger, the combustion chemistry professor at Louisiana State University who was the lead researcher on the new study.

"What I found out is that combustion-generated particles contain environmentally persistent free radicals," said Dellinger. "When the radicals are associated with particles, they can apparently exist indefinitely."

Dellinger and his team dubbed the new class of particles "persistent free radicals" to emphasize the longevity of the radicals they say can last for "hours, days, and in some cases, indefinitely."

Cigarette smokers breathe free radicals directly when they smoke. Shockingly, the new study states that the average person takes the same amount of persistent free radicals into their lungs as 300 cigarettes worth of free radicals every day.

Persistent free radicals become dangerous when a combustion process-on display in car engines and industrial smokestacks-spews tiny particles of unburnt material into the atmosphere. As the exhaust from the combustion process cools, small altered parts of the gases from the exhaust-the persistent free radicals-form and bond to the unburnt materials. The persistent free radicals then enter the body through the lungs and damage cells. Scientists are quick to note, however, that more research is needed to link the new discovery to specific diseases.

"These airborne free radicals are of interest," said Dr. Neil Schacter, a professor of pulmonary medicine. "But I am not sure we are at a point where our scalpel is sharp enough to dissect the individual components of air pollution that cause problems for people."

Health experts have long suggested the consumption of anti-oxidants, found in orange juice and green tea, to battle the damage caused by free radicals in the body. But the new data suggests a free radical level in the atmosphere much higher than previously thought.

According to Dellinger, the chemical process previously used to detect free radicals during combustion actually converted persistent free radicals into molecules that were then mistaken for other, more common, pollutants.

To receive a FREE Mesothelioma Web information packet** or to make a request, please fill out the following form :

**For a FREE information packet including treatments, clinical trials, and specialists, please complete the form above or call a Mesothelioma Web coordinator at 1-877-367-6376.

News

Resources

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here

If you would like to receive a FREE information packet or have questions about mesothelioma, call us at:

Toll-Free 1-877-367-6376