Why Rising AQI in Delhi, Mumbai & Kolkata Is Increasing Skin & Lung Cancer

Air quality in India’s biggest cities, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, is crossing dangerous levels more often than ever. And while we all talk about cough, breathlessness, or watery eyes, there’s a much bigger concern quietly growing behind the scenes: the rise in skin and lung cancer risk.

Polluted air doesn’t just make the day uncomfortable. Over time, it damages cells, weakens the immune system, and creates long-term changes in the body. These changes increase the chances of developing serious diseases, including cancer.

How bad air quality affects your lungs

The air in polluted cities carries dangerous particles—PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). When you breathe them daily, they enter deep into the lungs and create long-term irritation.

Over time, this can:

• Damage the lining of the lungs
• Reduce lung capacity
• Trigger chronic inflammation
• Create DNA changes that increase cancer risk

Lung cancer linked to pollution is rising even among non-smokers, especially in crowded cities with consistently high AQI.

How air pollution damages your skin

We often forget that the skin is our first barrier against pollution.  But harmful particles from the air settle on the skin and cause:

• Breakdown of collagen
• Weakening of the skin barrier
• Persistent inflammation
• Premature aging, dark spots, and dryness
• Increased risk of skin cancers in long-term exposure
  

PAHs and UV rays together form a dangerous combination, as pollution can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing long-term damage.

Why Delhi, Mumbai & Kolkata are at higher risk

These cities share three major problems:

1. High and Persistent AQI Levels

Delhi often crosses hazardous levels, while Mumbai and Kolkata see rapid spikes due to traffic, humidity, and construction dust.

2. Dense Population

More vehicles, more industrial activity, and higher emissions increase constant exposure.

3. Long-Term Daily Breathing of Polluted Air

You may not notice the effects immediately, but the body quietly absorbs pollutants every single day.

Delhi-NCR has recorded an increase in the number of days with AQI under 200 this year, showing some progress compared to 2016, though poor air quality remains a health concern

Early signs to watch for

Early symptoms are often ignored because they seem common, but consistent exposure makes these signs important.

Simple ways to protect yourself

You don’t need big lifestyle changes; small daily steps help a lot:

• Wear a mask on high-AQI days
• Use an air purifier at home
• Keep windows closed during peak pollution hours
• Wash your face after returning home
• Use sunscreen daily
• Include antioxidants in your diet (fruits, nuts, leafy greens)
• Get regular lung and skin check-ups if you live in high-pollution areas

Awareness saves lives

Understanding how polluted air affects your skin and lungs helps you stay alert and take simple steps to protect yourself. Long-term exposure to fine particles (PM2.5, PM10) increases the risk of lung cancer even among non-smokers and may contribute to other cancers, according to medical experts. High AQI is no longer just an environmental problem—it’s a health emergency.