Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer worldwide, and Asia is particularly hard-hit. As it continues to grapple with rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, the rates of lung cancer have surged. The situation is worsened by climate change and increasing wildfire frequency, further deteriorating air quality and public health.
South Asia Home to 37 of the World’s Most Polluted Cities
According to the 2022 World Air Quality Report, 37 of the 40 most polluted cities globally are located in South Asia, with India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan ranking among the most polluted countries. In these countries, pollution levels peaked in 2020. Particulate air pollution alone accounts for up to 15% of all lung cancer fatalities, and the mortality rate linked to particulate pollution has surged by 20% over the past three decades.
Source – Lancet
GLOBOCAN’s latest 2020 estimates reveal that 60% (1,315,136) of new lung cancer cases and 62% (1,112,517) of all lung cancer deaths occurred in Asia. This highlights the severe impact of air pollution on public health in the region.
Top 25 Cities with Worst Air Pollution (2024 Rankings)
Illustration by – Smart Air, Data by region reported by the World Health Organization Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN, 2020)
Why Air Pollution Causes a Surge in Lung Cancer Cases in Asia
PM2.5 plays a big role in this problem. PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) can penetrate deeply into the lung, irritate and corrode the alveolar wall, and consequently impair lung function.
PM2.5, a specific group of particulate matter, has small diameters but large surface areas. This allows it to carry various toxic substances. It can bypass the filtration of nose hair, reach the end of the respiratory tract, accumulate, and diffuse. This process can lead to damage in other parts of the body through air exchange in the lungs..
A study from India has shown that exposure to indoor air pollution (such as second-hand smoke and fuel used for cooking) is significantly associated with adenocarcinoma, a subtype of lung cancer. These findings emphasize the severe health risks posed by PM2.5 and underscore the urgent need for effective air quality solutions to protect public health.
Indian Air Pollution Crisis: A Shocking Decline of Over 10 Years in Life Expectancy
Lung penetration of particles. [Source: © Encyclopédie
Climate Change Intensifies Air Pollution in Asia
Based on the World Meteorological Organisation report, the mean temperature in Asia for 2022 was 2.4°C above the WMO 1961–1990 reference period. Higher temperatures can exacerbate air pollution, particularly by increasing the formation of ground-level ozone, a key component of smog. Ground-level ozone forms more readily in hotter conditions, contributing to poorer air quality.
Additionally, higher temperatures can lead to more frequent and severe wildfires, which release a cocktail of hazardous air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This increase in pollution poses significant health risks and environmental challenges in Asia.
How to Protect Myself?
Protect Yourself Outside with a Simple Air Pollution Mask:
Masks are highly effective against air pollution, including tiny 0.007-micron particles. They provide benefits such as lower blood pressure and better-regulated heart rates. In short, masks are highly effective.
Protect Yourself from Air Pollution Indoors with an Air Purifier:
Smart Air is a certified B Corp committed to combating the myths big companies use to inflate the price of clean air artificially. We build empirically backed, no-nonsense purifiers and masks that use the same HEPA filters and even capture the same nanoparticles for a fraction of the cost of big companies. For protection against air pollution, check out our new purifier!
Free Guide to Breathing Safe
Want to learn more about breathing clean air? Join thousands more and stay up to date on protecting your health.
