This project aims to draw parallels between fine particulate matter and fluctuating lung and bronchus cancer diagnoses in Texas state counties. PM2.5 represents atmospheric pollutants including, but not limited to NOX, VOCs, O3, and SO2. These pollutants are particularly dangerous because of their small size, which makes them easily distributed and consumed. PM2.5 frequencies are alarming since only 18% of its emissions occur naturally. Thus, human-induced activity is responsible for the remaining 82% of this pollutant, posing major health risks. This is why we believe it is crucial to recognize the potential correlation between anthropogenic pollution and its effect on human health. This investigation analyzes the disproportionality of lung and bronchus cancer trends based on air quality and how they affect different ethnicities, specifically those in metropolitan areas.

Throughout the history of lung cancer, there has been a steady increase in the number of diagnoses. In 1878, lung cancer only represented 1% of total cancer cases reported. Currently, it is the number one leading death in cancer diagnoses at 23% and the second most diagnosed cancer at 12.3%. At the beginning of this epidemic, a growing suspicion about the relationship between lung cancer and PM2.5 pollutants, mostly tobacco smoke, emerged. 

Metropolitan Ethnic Distribution

Figure 1.2. Ethnic distribution within metropolitan counties. "Other" data includes NH Asian and Pacific Islander.

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