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Can Air Pollution Cause Lung Cancer: Delhi is currently choking with severe category air quality and heightened air pollution. Residents are experiencing extreme discomfort and health conditions that are affecting daily functioning. The deteriorating air quality has raised a significant risk for heart problems, reduced life expectancy, and respiratory conditions.

While explaining the risk factors of increasing air pollution and severe air quality, Dr Suhail Qureshi, Senior Consultant & Unit Head - Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh said that this toxic air that we all are breathing is a major health hazard. Delhi is one of the most polluted cities globally and a recent study revealed that if pollution levels remain as they are, the people of Delhi could potentially experience a reduction in life expectancy by 11.9 years. A large number of lung cancer cases are attributable to smoking. Less commonly, lung cancer can also be a result of air pollution.

Watch the video below about crucial insights of Delhi's air pollution: 

How Air Pollution Can Cause Lung Cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) officially declared that outdoor air pollution is a Group 1 carcinogen. According to Dr Qureshi, small harmful particulate matter like PM 2.5 is most closely associated with lung cancer risk. These small particles can get trapped in the lungs. An accumulation of these particles can cause damage to the cells of the lungs, leading to inflammation. This chronic state of inflammation may cause damage to cellular DNA and accumulation of harmful mutations which may turn a cell cancerous.

Tips To Reduce Risk Of Lung Cancer From Air Pollution

Dr Qureshi advises that the first and foremost step towards reducing the risk is to stop smoking. This is the single most important piece of advice that often is not taken seriously. Cigarette smoke contains almost 70 different types of cancer-causing substances. Around 35-40% of all cancers are associated with tobacco or its products in some form or another. Exposure to secondhand smoke is also quite harmful and needs to be avoided.

Can air pollution increase the risk of lung cancer in indivoduals (Image Credits: Canva)

- There is a need to build awareness regarding staying away from e-vaping and electronic cigarettes too, since their long-term ill-effects are yet to be realised and it is a myth to consider them safe.

- Try to wear a good mask when you venture outdoors, especially during these days when pollution is at its peak.

- Keep yourself well hydrated and detoxify your body by drinking ample amounts of water throughout the day.

- Consuming a diet rich in fibre, fruits & vegetables gives your body better immunity than any multivitamin pill. So make sure your diet is healthy and eliminate junk food.

- Avoid outdoor exercises during this weather and try to work out within the safe confines of your home.

Dr Qureshi culminated by saying that one should remember that any lifestyle changes that you make for the better need to be sustained over a long period of time for any realistic benefits. By making these lifestyle choices, you choose to live better and healthier, free of any illnesses.