India's deteriorating air quality is creating a silent health epidemic, with medical experts warning that lung cancer is increasingly striking non-smokers across the country. The alarming trend is linked to rising pollution levels and widespread contamination in food, water, and daily essentials.
Bihar's Twin Environmental Crisis
Dr Tarkeshwar Tiwari, a senior pulmonologist at Welspun Hospital in the US, highlighted the severe situation during his current visit to his parents in Sonbarsa, Buxar. Speaking on Sunday, Dr Tiwari explained that Bihar ranks among states with the worst air quality during winter months, while simultaneously facing a severe groundwater contamination crisis.
"Pollution in water, poor living conditions, and lifestyle changes have led to a sharp rise in cancers of multiple organs, including the lungs," Dr Tiwari stated. He specifically highlighted that arsenic contamination in Bihar's groundwater has affected over 18 districts including Buxar, Bhojpur, and Patna.
Contamination Enters Food Chain
The crisis extends beyond water contamination alone. Dr Tiwari revealed that arsenic has entered the food chain, affecting vegetables, milk, and the local environment. Studies by the Central Ground Water Board confirm the severity, showing arsenic levels in some areas exceeding WHO limits by 10 to 20 times, creating significant long-term health risks for the population.
Recent research published in Lancet eClinicalMedicine supports these concerns, showing that most lung cancer patients in India are now non-smokers, largely due to prolonged exposure to polluted air. The study estimates that over 15 million people in India currently suffer from lung cancer.
Healthcare System Under Pressure
Dr Tiwari emphasized the growing healthcare challenges, noting that medicines are becoming less effective because pollution continues to worsen patients' underlying conditions. He particularly highlighted the critical gaps in healthcare delivery across Bihar, where there's a severe shortage of specialists and even basic screening services.
"Early detection is critical but still lacking due to inadequate cancer screening systems," Dr Tiwari stressed. The pulmonologist explained that long-term exposure to particulate matter like PM2.5 alters lung cells and significantly increases cancer risk.
Adenocarcinoma has emerged as the most common form of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to Dr Tiwari. He also expressed concern about food safety, stating that finding pure food is "near impossible" today due to excessive fertilizer and pesticide use causing serious health consequences.
To combat these growing health threats, Dr Tiwari urged people to adopt healthier lifestyles, improve diets, and exercise regularly. He also emphasized the urgent need for greater private investment in healthcare and wider health insurance coverage to ensure accessible treatment for all citizens.
