Environmental Studies and Forestry

One-third of global population at cancer risk due to elevated volatile organic compounds levels

Y. Xiong, K. Du, et al.

This study conducted by Ying Xiong, Ke Du, and Yaoxian Huang reveals alarming trends in global volatile organic compound emissions from 2000-2019. With a notable 10.2% increase in VOC emissions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and China, the research highlights significant cancer risks affecting millions worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and action.

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Abstract

This study uses a global chemistry-climate model to simulate volatile organic compound (VOC) distributions and estimate cancer risks from 2000-2019. Findings show a 10.2% rise in global VOC emissions, with increases in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and China, but decreases in the US and Europe. Carcinogenic VOCs impacted 0.60-0.85 million individuals, with 36.4-39.7% of the global population exposed to harmful levels, highest in China (82.8-84.3%) and lowest in Europe (1.7-5.8%). Open agricultural burning exacerbated risks, highlighting health disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries.

Publisher

npj Climate and Atmospheric Science

Published On

Aug 08, 2024

Authors

Ying Xiong, Ke Du, Yaoxian Huang