Lung Cancer and Environmental Carcinogens
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality globally. While smoking remains the primary risk factor, occupational and environmental carcinogens—including PFAS—contribute to non-smoking lung cancer cases that represent a growing proportion of diagnoses.
PFAS Pulmonary Carcinogenesis Evidence
Occupational cohort studies of workers in fluoropolymer manufacturing show elevated lung cancer standardized incidence ratios compared to regional reference populations. PFOA and PFOS have been classified as possible to probable human carcinogens, with lung cancer among the cancers of concern.
Pulmonary PFAS Accumulation
Inhaled PFAS aerosols and vapors from occupational sources accumulate in lung tissue. Pulmonary PFAS concentrations in exposed workers exceed blood concentrations, suggesting direct pulmonary carcinogenesis pathways beyond systemic distribution.
Screening and Surveillance
Low-dose CT lung cancer screening eligibility criteria may warrant consideration of PFAS occupational exposure history. Pulmonologists and occupational health physicians in regions with fluoropolymer industries should maintain heightened lung cancer screening vigilance for PFAS-exposed workers.