"Air Pollution a Leading Cause of Cancer -- U.N. Agency"

"The air we breathe is laced with cancer-causing substances and is being officially classified as carcinogenic to humans, the World Health Organization's cancer agency said on Thursday."



"The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) cited data indicating that in 2010, 223,000 deaths from lung cancer worldwide resulted from air pollution, and said there was also convincing evidence it increases the risk of bladder cancer.

Depending on the level of exposure in different parts of the world, the risk was found to be similar to that of breathing in second-hand tobacco smoke, Kurt Straif, head of the agency's section that ranks carcinogens, told reporters in Geneva."

Kate Kelland and Stephanie Nebehay report for Reuters October 18, 2013.

SEE ALSO:

"Boxer Calls for Hearing on Cancer-Causing Air Pollutants" (E2 Wire/The Hill)

"Outdoor Air Pollution Declared a Human Carcinogen" (ENS)

"Air Pollution Causes Lung Cancer, World Health Organization Says" (Los Angeles Times)

"Outdoor Air Pollution a Leading Cause of Cancer: WHO" (AFP)

Source: Reuters, 10/18/2013