Your Zip Code Could Impact Your Lung Cancer Risk

The place you spend the most time could be tipping the scales on your lung cancer risk. Several studies have shown that environmental factors have an impact on lung cancer rates.

According to the Journal of Advanced Research, “Environmental pollutants play a significant role in increasing the susceptibility to lung cancer by triggering various biological mechanisms that lead to lung injury and tumorigenesis.” That’s when genetic mutations cause normal cells to grow rapidly and form malignant tumors.

How This Impacts Communities of Color

This has serious implications for communities of color, according to a 2025 report from the American Lung Association.

“Black individuals with lung cancer were 13% less likely to be diagnosed early, 19% less likely to receive surgical treatment, 11% more likely to not receive any treatment, and 13% less likely to survive five years compared to white individuals.”

The report also noted that Indigenous people were 26% less likely to receive surgical treatment and 23% likely to receive no treatment at all. Latinos were 26% more likely to not receive any treatment but were 2% more likely to receive surgical treatment.

Climate Change and Lung Cancer

Relatively high air emissions of numerous carcinogenic industrial agents near the home were associated with increased lung cancer risk, which was not associated with smoking.

This has a disproportionate impact on underserved communities and communities of color, as climate justice experts warn that these communities, Indigenous peoples, and low-income families and children are more vulnerable to changing climate conditions.” per Current Environmental Health Reports.

Environmental factors connected to climate change are one of the largest and most serious risks.

How This Impacts Rural Areas

Rural areas are disproportionately impacted by lung cancer. Residents in rural areas are also subject to high levels of pollution that ~~increase~~increases their lung cancer risk.

“Rural areas showed higher incidence and mortality rates compared to urban areas,” according to a 2025 article in the Cancer journal. A 2026 study from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) examined how the outcomes are worse in rural areas. This is partially due to the lack of access to advanced lung cancer treatments.

Radon and Lung Cancer

If you live near radon, you are at an increased risk of lung cancer. “According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States,” reports the American Cancer Society.

“Radon is a radioactive gas that has no smell, color or taste. Radon is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils. Radon can also be found in water,” according to the World Health Organization.

The EPA strongly recommends that all homes in the United States be tested for radon. Those who have basements should test for it especially.

You can hire a professional to test your home for radon. At home testing kits are also available at your local hardware store.

Rural communities often face a 30% or higher risk of elevated indoor radon exposure compared to urban areas, largely due to naturally occurring uranium in soil and proximity to bedrock, with drilled groundwater wells acting as conduits. In addition, factors such larger housing designs like bungalows, are closer to the ground allowing more seepage.

If you live in a rural area that doesn’t have access to companies that conduct this testing or stores where testing kits are sold, you can find information about how to get access to radon testing from your state office. There are several state offices with resources to help you learn about the status of your home. The EPA has also launched programs designed to support underserved communities in maintaining access to safe drinking water.

Environmental Challenges in Drinking Water

Studies have found that there is a strong relationship between imbibing large doses of arsenic via ground drinking water and an increased risk of lung cancer.

This environmental threat may not be distributed equally. A 2016 article found that “Water arsenic concentrations were significant and positively associated with female and male bladder cancer, and with female lung cancer.”

There are at-home testing kits for drinking water as well.

Occupational Environmental Threats

Your home isn’t the only environment to consider. Your job is a place where you spend a significant amount of time. Even if you’re not in a role where you are exposed to obvious contaminants like arsenic, there are subtle ways they could show up in your work.

If you must spend excessive time outside near traffic in an area known for severe road congestion, you could have an outsized exposure to diesel fumes emitted by cars.

Working in a smoker’s lounge or a bar that allows smoking that places you at a high –risk for inhaling secondhand smoke. A casino that allows smoking presents a risk for everyone, from bartenders to blackjack dealers.

Construction workers including bricklayers, craft workers, electricians, carpenters, painters, roofers and those who work with insulation have significantly riased risks for developing lung cancer.

Rural jobs and agricultural work often involve regular exposure to airborne irritants: