Record-breaking number of wildfires could drive up cases of head and neck cancer

The record-breaking number of wildfires linked to soaring summer temperatures this year could drive an increase in head and neck cancers, a study has suggested.

The risk is linked to the air pollution the fires create, which is ten times more hazardous to our health than from traffic fumes because it contains higher levels of microscopic cancer-causing particles known as PM2.5.

Inhaling these toxic particles can increase the risk of cancer in the throat, head and neck.

The findings are concerning after the UK and Europe suffered one of its most severe years for destructive wildfires on record.

Researchers from Harvard University in the US analysed 16 years of data on wildfires and incidences of head and neck cancer. 

They found that being exposed to smoke pollution from such fires increased the risk of cancer by 6 per cent, rising to 41 per cent for those exposed every year.

Writing in The Laryngoscope journal, they said: 'These results build on the growing body of evidence linking wildfire air pollution to adverse health and underscore the need for strengthened regulations to mitigate the impacts of climate change.'