Jaipur: Inhaling polluted air has become an inevitable challenge, with escalating health concerns becoming more concerning daily. The situation appears dire and stifling when observed in the NCR region, while Jaipur also experiences unfavourable conditions.
The polluted air is not only worsening conditions for those with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but is now being associated with increasing lung cancer cases where smoking is not a factor.
"Lung cancer to a large extent a preventable disease and 50-60% of patients are because of smoking. But, there are lots of emerging studies in which we can see lung cancer in non-smokers and non-passive smokers too. Many experts now believe that it is because of air pollution," said Dr Hemant Malhotra, director, oncology services at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.
Malhotra said, "The carcinogenic effects of air pollution on the lungs are mediated through multiple mechanisms, including oxidative stress, inflammation, genotoxicity and immune dysregulation. PM 2.5 and other airborne pollutants can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, which induces oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to DNA damage and activation of oncology pathways. Furthermore, certain air pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and benzene, possess direct genotoxic properties, promoting the initiation and progression of lung cancer."
Research studies consistently show a correlation between extended exposure to air pollution and heightened lung cancer risk. "Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter has been particularly implicated, with a meta-analysis reporting a significant association between PM 2.5 particulate matter exposure and lung cancer incidence. Additionally, nitrogen dioxide, a common component of traffic-related air pollution, has been linked to elevated lung cancer risk, especially in urban areas with high vehicular traffic density," said Dr Malhotra.
Air pollution consists of various elements, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, ozone, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals from human activities and natural origins. "Mitigating the impact of air pollution on lung cancer requires concerted efforts at the individual, community, and policy levels. Individuals can reduce their exposure to air pollution by avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, using air purifiers indoors, and adopting sustainable transportation options," he said.
The new cases of lung cancer emerging every year have become a cause of concern for the health authorities and doctors. "Air pollution is a cause of poor health, lung diseases including COPD and lung cancer. This is more so a problem for the northern parts of India, especially Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana. With the quality of air getting worse, the health impact is even more severe. Every year 65,000-70,000 new cases of lung cancer are registered in India due to air pollution," said Dr Sheetu Singh, Director, Lung Center, at a private hospital.
The health department has also started looking at air pollution as an emerging challenge for them. A senior health department official said, "We are spreading awareness on tobacco control and encouraging people to quit smoking to reduce the burden of lung cancer, but air pollution is now becoming a challenge for us as a lot of oncologists and doctors are now suspecting a link between air pollution and lung cancer."