Effect of Particulate Matter Pollution on Global Lung Cancer Burden: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2021

Background Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, with particulate matter pollution (PMP) identified as a critical environmental risk. This study analyzes long‐term trends in age‐standardized mortality (ASMR) and disability‐adjusted life‐year rates (ASDR) for PMP‐attributable lung cancer, with projections to 2030. Method Using Global Burden of Disease data, we evaluated temporal trends across age, sex, and Sociodemographic Index (SDI) regions through age‐period‐cohort and Bayesian models. Result Global Trends: PMP‐related ASMR/ASDR declined significantly over the study period, while ambient PMP (APMP)‐attributable rates increased, contrasting with household air pollution (HAP)‐related declines. Age and Sex Disparities: Mortality burden shifted toward older populations, with APMP‐related deaths rising sharply in the elderly. Males exhibited faster declines in PMP/HAP‐related mortality, whereas females faced steeper increases in APMP‐attributable risks. SDI variations: High‐middle SDI regions consistently had the highest PMP‐related mortality, with ASMR trends reflecting industrialization phases. Projections: PMP‐related burdens are expected to rise globally, driven by aging populations and persistent pollution in middle‐SDI regions. Conclusion The escalating burden in vulnerable populations demands urgent interventions, including air quality improvement, tobacco control, and enhanced screening, Notably, China consistently exhibited the world's highest PMP‐attributable lung cancer ASMR (13.6 per 100 000 in 1990, declining to 10.1 per 100 000 in 2021). Future strategies must integrate gender‐specific risk mitigation and environmental‐genetic assessments to address disparities.