Diwali's Dark Side: A Day Of Pollution

Diwali is a religious festival celebrated in India, and in recent years, it has become a source of air pollution and noise pollution. The burning of firecrackers during the festival releases particulate matter and toxic gases, which have detrimental effects on the health of the population and the environment. Studies have shown that Diwali leads to a significant increase in air pollution, with a recent report highlighting an 875% spike in pollution in some regions of India. This is particularly concerning in states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, where pollution levels are already critical. The impact of Diwali on air quality has been measured through various studies, and the results indicate that the festival contributes to a deterioration in air quality, with certain pollutants exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Firecrackers cause an 875% spike in pollution

Diwali is a religious festival celebrated in India, and it has become an occasion of air pollution and noise pollution. The burning of firecrackers during the festival has been a significant contributor to the worsening air quality, with a recent report revealing an 875% spike in pollution in some regions of the country.

The report by Airvoice, an air quality control startup, analysed data from 180 monitoring stations across 14 states of India between 2017 and 2023. It found that pollution caused by firecrackers surged by 875% in certain regions, with northern states experiencing the most significant increase. The focus of the research was on PM2.5 levels, which are dangerous fine particulate matter known to pose severe health risks.

On Diwali night, PM2.5 levels in several northern states exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limits by up to 875%. This is particularly concerning as these states, such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, already struggle with critical levels of pollution. The report highlights the need for stricter enforcement of firecracker bans and the development of eco-friendlier celebrations to curb pollution without compromising cultural traditions.

Despite firecracker bans in cities like Delhi, the PM2.5 levels on Diwali night in 2023 were still 100% higher compared to years when firecrackers were allowed. This finding underscores the limited impact of such bans and the need for more effective strategies. The study also revealed that air quality typically normalises within 24 hours of Diwali, indicating that Diwali-related pollution may not have long-term effects on the environment.

The issue of Diwali firecrackers and their impact on air quality has been a growing environmental concern in India. While the festival brings joy and celebration, the surge in pollution caused by firecrackers has led to increased awareness and a clamour for regulatory interventions to address this issue.

Air quality worsens after Diwali

The impact of Diwali on air quality has been the subject of numerous studies, with existing research focusing on measuring the concentration of pollutants in the air before, during, and after the festival. One study found that the 24-hour average concentrations of PM2.5, one of the most harmful particles to human health, increased by almost 40% by the second day of the festival.

Another study, which used hourly data from 2013 to 2017, found a small but statistically significant increase in air pollution due to Diwali firecrackers. The effect was different across locations within Delhi, with some areas experiencing a more significant impact than others.

The burning of firecrackers during Diwali releases toxic substances and heavy metals into the atmosphere, contributing to poor air quality. The Indian government's Central Pollution Control Board lists 15 substances in fireworks that are hazardous and toxic, including aluminium, manganese, and cadmium. These metals can have long-term health effects on the population, leading to respiratory infections, asthma flare-ups, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Despite efforts to ban or restrict the use of firecrackers during Diwali, the festival continues to have a significant impact on air quality. In 2023, despite a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi since 2017, PM2.5 levels on Diwali night were still 100% higher compared to years when firecrackers were allowed. This has led to calls for stricter enforcement of firecracker bans and the development of more effective strategies to curb pollution without compromising cultural celebrations.

Overall, the evidence suggests that Diwali celebrations contribute to a significant deterioration in air quality, particularly in densely populated regions of India. The release of toxic substances and metals from firecrackers has severe health implications, and effective measures are needed to address this growing pollution crisis.

Toxic metals released by firecrackers linger

Diwali is a festival of lights, but it has also become an occasion of air and noise pollution. Fireworks and firecrackers are a major source of toxic metals released into the atmosphere during Diwali. These metals linger in the environment, causing both short- and long-term health issues.

Firecrackers emit pollutants when they burst, and research in the Indian city of Jamshedpur found significantly increased levels of toxic substances during the Diwali period. These include metals such as lead, chromium, copper, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, aluminium, and metal oxides like sulphur trioxide, phosphorus pentoxide, and vanadium pentoxide. These substances are listed as hazardous and toxic under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

The release of toxic metals from firecrackers poses a significant health risk to humans, especially those with respiratory illnesses. A study by NYU Langone revealed that common fireworks throw toxic metals into the air, damaging human cells and animal lung tissue. These metals can cause a range of adverse reactions, from vomiting and diarrhoea to asthma attacks, respiratory diseases, kidney disease, and even cancers.

The impact of firecrackers on air quality is evident in the increase in PM2.5 concentrations during Diwali. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that is harmful to human health. A 2018 study in Delhi found that during Diwali, concentrations of PM2.5 increased by almost 40% by the second day of the festival. This contributes to the overall deterioration of air quality, with "very poor" air quality observed in Delhi after the 2022 Diwali celebrations.

The toxic metals released by firecrackers can linger in the environment for extended periods. A 2016 study in Spain found that levels of heavy metals remained elevated in a city park several days after a fireworks display, as a reservoir of metal-containing dust persisted in the urban area. This prolonged presence of toxic metals in the air increases the potential for harmful health effects on the local population.

Overall, the use of firecrackers during Diwali significantly contributes to air pollution and poses a risk to public health due to the release of toxic metals. These metals linger in the environment and can have both immediate and long-term impacts on human health, highlighting the need for awareness and effective regulations to mitigate their harmful effects.

Noise pollution increases during Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in India every year in late October or early November. Houses are decorated with diyas and lights, and fireworks are set off to commemorate the occasion. However, the celebration's aftermath often leaves cities covered in smog and filled with air and noise pollution, causing adverse effects on human health and the environment.

The impact of noise pollution on human well-being is significant. It can cause cochlear and general damages, with the severity depending on sound intensity and duration. Additionally, the loud sounds can lead to increased stress levels by elevating stress hormones like cortisol, contributing to various health disorders. The noise pollution during Diwali also affects animals, disrupting their natural environments and causing them distress.

The noise levels during Diwali have been recorded to be significantly higher than standard levels. In Mumbai, noise levels on Diwali ranged from 36.3 to 60.3 dB during the day and 50.5 to 69.7 dB at night, far exceeding the residential area limits of 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night. Similarly, in Haridwar, the average noise level during Diwali increased by 29.6% in residential areas and 18.1% in commercial zones compared to non-festive days.

While there has been a recent decreasing trend in noise levels during Diwali, attributed to the use of less noisy crackers, noise pollution remains a significant concern. It is essential to recognize the impact of noise pollution on human and animal well-being and take steps towards more eco-friendly celebrations.

Health implications of poor air quality

Diwali is a festival of lights, excitement, and joy. However, it is also associated with a significant increase in air pollution, which has several health implications.

Diwali celebrations, particularly the burning of firecrackers and sparklers, contribute to a sharp rise in air pollution levels, with the average 24-hour concentration of particulate matter (PM) and toxic gases exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). This includes elevated levels of PM10, PM2.5, SPM, SO2, and NO2, as well as metals like Zn, Al, Pb, and Mn. As a result, the air quality index (AQI) often reaches the "very poor" category during and after Diwali, indicating a severe air quality crisis.

The immediate health effects of poor air quality during Diwali can include respiratory issues such as coughing, throat infections, and irritation. People with asthma, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) are particularly vulnerable to these short-term impacts and may experience increased symptoms. Additionally, the extreme pollution levels pose risks to children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The long-term health risks associated with Diwali air pollution are also concerning. The particles in the polluted air can enter the lungs and even the bloodstream, causing inflammation and tissue damage over time. Prolonged exposure to such pollutants can contribute to the development of chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and lung cancer.

To protect yourself from the adverse effects of poor air quality during Diwali, it is essential to take precautions. This includes limiting outdoor exposure when pollution levels are high, using air purifiers indoors, and staying hydrated. Maintaining a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can also help boost your immune system and support lung health. Additionally, practicing breathing exercises can strengthen the lungs and improve respiratory function.

While individual actions can help mitigate the impacts of pollution, systemic changes are necessary to address the chronic health effects on a larger scale. This includes reducing the use of firecrackers and promoting eco-friendly Diwali celebrations to minimize the health risks associated with poor air quality during this festive season.

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