Why a Non-Smoker Can Get Lung

1. Exposure to secondhand smoke

Secondhand smoke is the smoke that is exhaled by a smoker or comes from the end of a lit cigarette. It contains many of the same harmful chemicals as firsthand smoke, and it can cause a number of health problems, including lung cancer.

2. Radon gas exposure

Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. It is found in the soil and can seep into homes and other buildings. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

3. Asbestos exposure

Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used in construction materials. However, it was later found to be a carcinogen, and its use is now banned in many countries. Asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer, as well as other types of cancer.

4. Air pollution

Air pollution can also contribute to lung cancer. Air pollution can come from a variety of sources, including factories, power plants, and vehicles. Air pollution can contain a number of harmful chemicals, including particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide.

5. Family history of lung cancer

People who have a family history of lung cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease. This is because lung cancer can be caused by genetic mutations that are passed down from parents to children.

6. Certain medical conditions

Some medical conditions can also increase the risk of lung cancer. These conditions include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and tuberculosis.

7. Weakened immune system

People who have a weakened immune system are also at an increased risk of lung cancer. This is because a weakened immune system cannot fight off infections as well as a healthy immune system, and this can lead to the development of lung cancer.