'Delhi Pollution Can Cause Lung Cancer And Premature Death'

Tackling a heavy load of patients Dr J.C. Suri, a leading pulmonologist, says that high levels of air pollution can also result in underdeveloped lungs in children and even the possibility of lung cancer.

- Lola Nayar

Tackling a heavy load of patients, many of them on nebulisers, Dr J.C. Suri, a leading pulmonologist and head of the respiratory medicine department at New Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital, says that high levels of air pollution may cause rapid deterioration in heart and lung patients, even early death. In an interview with Lola Nayar, Dr Suri warns that pollution can also result in underdeveloped lungs in children and even the possibility of lung cancer.

What is the long-term impact of air pollution? Can it lead to killer diseases such as lung cancer?

Several studies have been done to evaluate the long-term impact of exposure to various air pollutants. The long-term impact can be chronic respiratory diseases. People with chronic heart diseases or respiratory diseases are more vulnerable and their condition becomes worse. When the pollutant levels are high and the exposure is of a longer duration, then there can be damage to the lungs due to the wide variety of chemicals and particulate matter, which can slowly damage the lungs and cause fibrosis. It can also cause lung cancer, which is associated with smoke and combustion fumes, particularly from automobiles. The various nitrogenous compounds are also associated with risks of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one extreme, but in the case of those having chronic respiratory diseases, or those who have suffered from angina or heart attacks, undergone stenting or other heart surgeries, there could be rapid progression of the disease. This could lead to early or premature deaths.

Are those with asthma and other respiratory issues the most vulnerable? Or can it take a toll on the health of even otherwise healthy individuals?