By Dr. Saadvik Raghuram Y Senior Consultant & Chief of Medical Oncology, Hyderabad

1. What is AQI and why it matters for your long-term health

The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures toxic pollutants in the environment such as:

• PM2.5
• PM10
• Nitrogen dioxide
• Sulphur dioxide
• Ozone
• Carbon monoxide

Among these, PM2.5 is the most harmful. These ultra-microscopic particles easily enter the lungs, bloodstream, and even the brain—making the connection between AQI and Cancer a growing concern in India.

2. How poor AQI affects the body

When AQI crosses 150, health risks increase dramatically. Common effects include:

• Airway inflammation
• Reduced lung capacity
• Oxidative stress
• Increased blood clotting
• Asthma and COPD flare-ups

The danger is not limited to the lungs. Pollutants circulate throughout the body, damaging DNA, triggering chronic inflammation, and increasing long-term cancer risk.

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3. Air Pollution and Cancer: What research reveals

A. Lung Cancer (especially in non-smokers)

A 2023 Nature study found that PM2.5 exposure activates dormant EGFR-mutated pre-cancerous cells, leading to early lung cancer even in non-smokers.

B. Bladder Cancer

Polluted air contains carcinogens that enter the bloodstream and get filtered through the kidneys, increasing the levels of cancer-causing substances in urine.

C. Breast Cancer

PM2.5 exposure is linked to:

• Higher breast density
• Hormonal imbalance
• Increased estrogen-positive breast cancers

D. Childhood Cancers

Children living in high-traffic or industrial areas show higher risks of leukemia and lymphoma.

4. Why Indians face higher risk

Several factors increase susceptibility:

1. Extremely high AQI levels in metro cities
2. Smaller lung volumes
3. Exposure to biomass fuels
4. Heavy traffic & construction dust
5. Low Vitamin D and antioxidant levels

This combination amplifies inflammatory pathways, raising cancer risk significantly.

5. Practical ways to protect yourself

A. Protect your lungs

• Use N95 masks outdoors
• Avoid outdoor exercise when AQI > 200
• Skip morning walks during smog episodes

B. Improve indoor air quality

• Use HEPA air purifiers
• Keep doors/windows closed during high AQI hours
• Add indoor plants for supportive air purification

C. Boost the body’s natural detox systems

• Hydration
• Steam inhalation
• Antioxidant-rich diet (berries, green tea, turmeric)
• Adequate Vitamin D

D. Medical screening (for high-risk individuals)

• Annual Chest CT
• Pulmonary Function Test
• Ultrasound abdomen (smokers)

6. What India must do at a systemic level

• Tighten emission norms
• Reduce diesel & construction pollution
• Promote public transport
• Increase green cover
• Install AQI monitoring at schools & offices

Conclusion

The relationship between AQI and Cancer is no longer theoretical—it’s a proven public health threat. As pollution rises, so does the burden of lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, and childhood cancers.

Clean air is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Protect yourself, educate your families, and demand cleaner air for future generations.— Dr. Saadvik Raghuram Y
Senior Consultant & Chief of Medical Oncology