Causes of Lung Cancer

The etiology, or the root cause of lung cancer, is not always evident. Although tobacco smoking is the primary etiological factor, scientists agree that many lung cancers have no single cause, but are instead the result of a combination of several causes that may include exposure to radon, asbestos, environmental tobacco smoke, and exposures to other hazardous materials. Don't just assume that your lung cancer was caused by smoking alone. Lung cancer is also a significant health problem among patients who have never smoked (referred to as "never smokers").

You could have been exposed to carcinogens decades ago, and many people with lung cancer cannot easily remember these exposures. Call us at 1-800-998-9729 and we may be able to help you identify where you came into contact with hazardous materials that could have increased your risk for lung cancer.

Other Causes of Lung Cancer

Radon. A gaseous decay product of radium-226 and uranium-238, radon can result in the damage of respiratory epithelium through alpha particle emissions. Uranium miners face an increased risk of lung cancer, probably due to radon-induced radiation. Many members of the armed forces came into contact with depleted uranium and radon during military service, as did employees of defense contractors. See our pages on radon as a cause of lung cancer, and uranium as a cause of lung cancer

Secondhand smoke. Also referred to as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), secondhand smoke has been identified as a significant risk factor for lung cancer in the case of never smokers. Experts estimate that 15 to 35 percent of lung cancer cases among never smokers are associated with ETS. More on secondhand smoke as a cause of lung cancer. Between smoking and secondhand smoke, the Centers for Disease Control estimate that 87% of US lung cancer cases are caused by tobacco.

Asbestos. Asbestos is known to be a cause of lung cancer and other types of cancer. The asbestos fibers can become airborne and get in your lungs. Often the cancer doesn’t show up until decades after exposure. Asbestos as a cause of lung cancer. If you have lung cancer and were exposed to asbestos, even decades ago, you may be eligible for compensation. Click here to learn more.

Pesticides, especially the mixture called Agent Orange. Agent Orange was sprayed from airplanes during the Vietnam War and became airborne, entering the lungs of ground troops. The Department of Veterans Affairs has acknowledged that Agent Orange is carcinogenic and provides benefits for qualified cancer patients with a history of exposure. See our page on Agent Orange as a cause of lung cancer.

Heavy metals. These include cadmium, chromium, and arsenic. Heavy metals are in many products and waste streams. Arsenic has been identified as a causative factor for lung cancer when it contaminates drinking water, as seen in specific areas of Chile and Taiwan. The United States lowered permissible arsenic levels in drinking water several years ago due to health concerns. See our page on heavy metals as a cause of lung cancer.

Air pollutants present, for instance, in smoke from burning coal and vapors from cooking oil have been associated with lung cancer. There are hundreds of chemical constituents in smoke and combustion products. Even the experts don’t know all of the carcinogenic ones, but it is clear that there is a connection. See our page on hydrocarbons as a cause of lung cancer.

Where Were You Exposed to Carcinogens?

Workplace Exposures – Several types of occupational exposures have been identified as factors that increase the risk of lung cancer among smokers and never smokers. Electricians, painters, plumbers, steamfitters, pipefitters, and many other jobs brought workers into close contact with asbestos insulation, cements, ceiling tiles, brakes, and other materials. Carcinogens in these materials include asbestos, beryllium, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons.

Military Service Exposure – Thousands of veterans have contracted lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos. Often the cancer doesn't show up until decades after exposure. Members of all branches of the military were exposed to the same materials as civilian workers were. Exposure to beryllium and depleted uranium was especially common among servicemen because those metals were used in defense systems. Agent orange, the herbicide, was used extensively in the Vietnam War.

Home Exposure – Radon accumulates in the basements of buildings in some areas of the country, and asbestos was used widely in home construction for decades. Both radon and asbestos are known causes of lung cancer and pose risks for people who live in homes with those materials.

See our sections on symptoms of lung cancer and screening for lung cancer.