[taeric]

I'm convinced this is my aliens theory, but I do think pollution plays a big role. My hypothesis being that long term exposure to high pollution is akin to chronic asthma.

Fits in Italy, as their elderly are retired locals exposed to their terrible air for life. In China, the hard hit had a transient population that moves away on retirement. In New York, it is hitting more men, who are proportionally more likely to with outside jobs such as construction. That is to say, all of the hard hit groups had long term exposure to pollution.

And again I stress. I view this as my conspiracy theory. Really want to not believe it.

[blaser-waffle]

Firefighters have an inordinately high rate of lung cancer, even though comparatively few smoke (as their job comes with physical fitness requirements). This rate of cancer is believed to be tied to regular smoke exposure.

On a lower, slower timeframe I wouldn't be surprised if pollution had the same effect re: weakening the lungs.