Diwali, the Festival of Lights, brings joy and celebration but also a surge in air pollution due to firecracker use, exacerbating health risks across India. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi, already at an “unhealthy” 183 on October 16, is projected to surpass 301, deemed “hazardous,” during the festive period. Firecrackers release harmful pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals, and particulate matter (PM2.5), which pose severe health threats, worsened by colder weather and stagnant air.

A 2009–2019 study by Karolinska Institutet linked 3.8 million deaths in India to air pollution exceeding national PM2.5 guidelines (>40 µg/m³). Even short-term exposure to Diwali’s pollution spikes can cause breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, fatigue, and increased risks of respiratory illnesses, heart attacks, and strokes, according to WHO guidelines. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions, face heightened dangers.

To mitigate risks, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has restricted firecracker use in Delhi-NCR to “green crackers” between 6 PM and 10 PM from October 18 to 21. Individuals can further protect themselves by monitoring local AQI, avoiding crowded firework displays, wearing N95 masks for brief outdoor exposure, sealing homes against indoor pollution, using HEPA air purifiers, managing chronic respiratory conditions, and limiting outdoor physical exertion during peak pollution.

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While green crackers reduce some emissions, their effectiveness depends on enforcement and widespread adoption. Diwali’s pollution spikes, laden with toxic particles and gases, demand proactive measures to safeguard public health, particularly as winter amplifies air quality challenges.

Disclaimer: This information is general and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for personalized guidance.

References include studies from the National Institutes of Health (2014–2024) and WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (2021).

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