CYSF

Presentation
Problem
Method
Research
Data
Conclusion
Citations
Acknowledgement
Attachments

Air Time a projeict on air quality and gentics afects on lung cancer

In this project we will be researching how air quality and genetics affect your chances of getting lung cancer in Canada and America.

Maryam Qasim

Grade 6

Presentation

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Problem

How do the air quality and genetics/predisposition impact your chances of having lung cancer?

This topic is important because cancer is one of the most widespread diseases in the world. Specifically, lung cancer is the most common form of cancer which affects 85 people per day in Canada on average which adds to 31,025 people per year on average. It also affects the respiratory system by blocking airways, putting pressure on the lungs, making breathing harder, and causing internal bleeding. By researching this topic we can find leading causes of lung cancer and pinpoint the main issues that cause it.

Method

The way i’m researching is by using reliable sites .The ways I am checking if a site is reliable is first by seeing if it has an about us and home page. Also double checking the information on other sites. I am also not using wikipedia because they are know to not be a trustworthy website.

Research

One of the leading causes of lung cancer is smoking and secondhand smoke about 90% of lung cancer patients have said to their medical professional that they either smoke or were exposed to secondhand smoke at some point in their life for prolonged periods. In addition, air pollution has shown that it can wake the cancerous cells. You are probably wondering what in the air causes cancer cells to grow well it's a mixture of chemicals which are benzo[a]pyrene (BP). BP is one of several ring-shaped chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons when natural substances like tobacco leaf are burned, when it enters the lungs it causes genetic mutations that lead to lung cancer. First, let's understand how we inherit DNA from our parents, we inherit DNA where we get half each of our parents. Now how do mutations occur? They occur when either from errors in DNA replication or from the damaging effects of mutagens, such as chemicals and radiation, which react with DNA and change the structures of individual nucleotides. Now when mutations EGFR and or the KRAS genes start producing too much protein that is constantly telling cells to proliferate leading to a tumor. This tells us that some types of genetic mutations change proteins in ways that cause healthy cells to become cancerous in the lungs.

Environmental air quality

How is it measured? Air quality is measured with an air quality index also known as AQI. The AQI works like a thermometer that runs from 0-500 but instead of temperature, it shows air quality.

What is in the air? More than 99% of air is made of three gases: nitrogen, oxygen, and argon. Air contains other gases in very small quantities, including gaseous water, which is called water vapor. Air also contains solids and liquids. Solids in the air include pollen, dust, and soot.

What kinds of things are carcinogenic in the air that is going to cause mutation in the gene? Chemicals in tobacco smoke, UV rays from the sun, .

The EPA states that more than 10% of radon-related lung cancer cases are people who have never smoked.

Now how do mutations occur? They occur when either from errors in DNA replication or from the damaging effects of mutagens, such as chemicals and radiation, which react with DNA and change the structures of individual nucleotides. Now when mutations EGFR and or the KRAS genes start producing too much protein that is constantly telling cells to proliferate leading to a tumor. This tells us that some types of genetic mutations change proteins in ways that cause healthy cells to become cancerous in the lungs.

Data

Conclusion

In conclusion air quality and genetics does heavily impact your chances of getting lung cancer .This research has shown me that the EGFR and KRAS genes play a huge role in how the lung tumor starts.As well as air quality /second hand smoking causing lots of lung cancer cases around the world .So to end off our question yes air quality and genetics affect your chances of getting lung cancer.

Meanings/glossary

EGFR

EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) is a protein on cells that helps them grow. A mutation in the gene for EGFR can make it grow too much, which can cause cancerous tumors in the lungs.

KRAS

The KRAS gene is an oncogene that encodes a small GTPase transductor protein called KRAS. KRAS is involved in the regulation of cell division as a result of its ability to relay external signals to the cell nucleus

Proliferate

To grow or reproduce (new parts, cells, etc) rapidly

Mutagen

A mutagen is a chemical or physical agent capable of inducing changes in DNA called mutations. Examples of mutagens include tobacco products, radioactive substances, x-rays, ultraviolet radiation and a wide variety of chemicals.

Nucleotides

The basic building block of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA).

Diploid two copies of chromosomes

EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) creates and enforces laws designed to protect the environment and human health. As part of their mission, they seek to ensure that Americans have a clean environment, including the air, water, and land that they use and enjoy.

Epidimeolygest

The study of disease spread.