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Air pollution in India isn’t just a respiratory risk, it may also increase blood cancer risk. Experts explain mechanisms and vulnerable populations.
Pollution in the national capital increases during winter
In India, air pollution is more than just a nuisance, it is a pressing health concern. Many of the world’s most polluted cities are in India, frequently exceeding safe limits by several multiples. While public discourse often focuses on asthma, chronic bronchitis, or heart disease, recent evidence suggests that air pollution may also increase the risk of blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
How Air Pollution Affects the Body
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Dr. Abhishek Raj, Senior Consultant & Head of Medical Oncology, Haematology & BMT, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, explains, “Air pollution consists of particulates (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and carcinogens, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and benzene. When we breathe in polluted air, these tiny particles can enter our bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. They can affect DNA, disrupt the immune system, and create chronic inflammation, three key mechanisms linked to the development of cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.”
Benzene, a common pollutant from vehicles and industrial emissions, is a proven cause of leukemia. Studies have also demonstrated a clearly increased risk of childhood leukemia in areas with higher traffic-related pollution. For adults, long-term exposure to fine particulate matter is associated with an increased incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Sources and Exposure
City dwellers in India face multiple pollution sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, biomass burning, and seasonal stubble burns. Dr. Raj emphasizes, “Most Indian cities report high baseline levels of PM2.5. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, and the rising cancer burden places additional strain on the healthcare infrastructure. While the public often focuses on respiratory or cardiac effects, we are only beginning to understand the role of pollutants in affecting bone marrow and immune function. The total mortality burden of ‘toxic air’ in India is still largely undefined.”
Mechanisms Linking Air Pollution to Blood Cancers
Dr. Divya Bansal, HOD of Clinical Haematology, Haemato-Oncology, and BMT at Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, adds, “Like other cancers, air pollution is considered a risk factor for blood cancers. Evidence shows an association between pollutants especially benzene and childhood leukemia. The main mechanisms involved include oxidative stress, DNA damage, and disruption of the immune system.”
While there is currently no definitive evidence linking air pollution to adult blood cancers such as lymphomas and myelomas, ongoing research continues to investigate these potential associations. Dr. Bansal notes, “With increasing pollution levels, the number of patients developing cancers, including blood cancers, is also rising. This underscores the importance of recognizing air pollution as a public health priority beyond its effects on the lungs and heart.”
Why India Should Take Action
The combination of high baseline pollution, vulnerable populations, and the dual burden of rising cancer cases highlights why India cannot afford to ignore this growing health risk. Targeted strategies to reduce emissions, along with increased public awareness and research into the long-term effects of air pollution on blood cancers, are crucial for protecting the health of millions of citizens.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 09, 2025, 12:33 IST
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