Lung cancer is not only about smoking: Doctor explains the risks hiding in your air, home and daily routine

Some lung risks are harder to see because they do not come with a cigarette packet.

Radon is one example. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors. Long-term exposure increases lung cancer risk, particularly among people who smoke. The US Environmental Protection Agency and the CDC recommend testing homes for radon and reducing elevated levels.

Radon is especially important because it has no colour or smell. A person cannot judge exposure simply by looking around the house.

However, the often-repeated description of radon as the “second leading cause of lung cancer” needs context. That ranking comes mainly from US public-health data and should not automatically be applied to every country, including India.

Workplace exposure is another overlooked area. Asbestos, silica, diesel exhaust, arsenic and certain other occupational substances are recognised lung cancer risks. The WHO lists occupational exposure to asbestos, silica and diesel exhaust among important lung cancer risk factors.

This is where workplace safety rules become more than paperwork.

People working in construction, mining, manufacturing, demolition and other dusty or chemical-heavy environments should follow the protective measures prescribed for their specific job. Respiratory protection should be properly selected and fitted for the hazard. Simply wearing any mask does not guarantee protection.

There is another exposure that deserves attention in many Indian homes: smoke from cooking fuels.

Improving ventilation and moving towards cleaner cooking fuels can therefore be a meaningful lung-health intervention, particularly in homes where smoke exposure is frequent.