Histopathological Consequences of Methane and Associated Air Pollutants: Linking Oxidative Stress to Organ Toxicity and Carcinogenesis

Abstract

Anthropogenic human activities like mining, fertilizer production as well as various industrial processes have been linked to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung cancer and leukemia. These activities significantly contribute to the increasing levels of methane and associated air pollutants, which play a critical role in cellular dysfunction, toxicity, and cancer development. Air pollution remains a major global health challenge, accounting for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Methane and its associated air toxicants have been shown to induce oxidative stress, genotoxicity, hepatorenal toxicity and haematotoxicity, leading to histoarchitectural alterations in vital organs such as the brain, lungs, heart, liver and kidneys. These pollutants disrupt cellular homeostasis and promote inflammation, DNA damage and tumourigenesis. This chapter explores the mechanisms underlying methane-associated oxidative stress and histological changes in mammalian cells, highlighting their oncogenic potential and the broader implications of air pollution on public health.