Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Tech/Science

UCLA Study Reveals Cancer Risks from Fire Smoke Chemicals

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have unveiled new insights into the cancer risks posed by chemicals found in fire smoke. This research, led by Derek Urwin, an adjunct professor of chemistry at UCLA and a full-time firefighter, highlights the dangers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are common byproducts of combustion.

Urwin’s personal connection to his research is profound. After studying applied mathematics at UCLA, he transitioned into firefighting, motivated by the tragic loss of his brother, Isaac, who succumbed to leukemia at just 33 years old. This personal experience ignited Urwin’s passion for understanding the chemical factors that contribute to cancer, leading him to pursue a doctorate under the mentorship of Anastassia Alexandrova, a renowned professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UCLA.

PAHs are a group of organic compounds that are released into the atmosphere when organic materials are burned. These compounds can enter the human body through various routes, including inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. While emissions from industrial activities and vehicle exhaust are common sources of PAHs, certain professions, particularly firefighting and coal-tar production, expose workers to significantly higher concentrations of these hazardous chemicals.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified many PAHs as probable or possible carcinogens. Among these, only benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) has been classified as a known human carcinogen. However, the recent study conducted by Urwin, Alexandrova, and UCLA undergraduate Elise Tran, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that some lesser-known PAHs may pose an even greater cancer risk than B[a]P.

Utilizing advanced computer simulations, the researchers examined how 15 different PAHs interact with a specific region of the DNA helix that is frequently associated with cancer-causing mutations. Their findings revealed that six of these PAHs exhibited a stronger affinity for binding to this mutational hotspot compared to B[a]P. Furthermore, these six compounds were also more likely to evade detection by the body’s DNA repair mechanisms, increasing the potential for cancer development.

This research not only enhances our understanding of the toxicological profiles of PAHs but also presents a promising approach for screening potentially hazardous chemicals. By identifying compounds with a higher likelihood of causing DNA damage, scientists can more effectively prioritize which chemicals require further investigation and regulation.

As the implications of this research unfold, it underscores the necessity for ongoing studies into the health risks associated with PAHs, particularly for those in high-risk occupations such as firefighting. The findings may pave the way for improved safety protocols and protective measures for workers exposed to these harmful chemicals.

The study serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the environmental and occupational hazards that contribute to cancer risk. With continued research and awareness, it is hoped that strategies can be developed to mitigate these risks and protect the health of individuals who are on the front lines of fire safety.

As the scientific community delves deeper into the complexities of chemical interactions and their effects on human health, the work of researchers like Urwin and Alexandrova is crucial in shaping a safer future for all.

LEAVE A RESPONSE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *