- The air is toxic even after Diwali!
- Fine particles of PM2.5 can travel from the lungs to the heart
- How long do the toxic particles from firecrackers stay in the air? find out
Diwali Air Pollution: of Diwali After the festival is over, the sound of firecrackers and smoke subsides. After a few days the sky also looks clear. However, this does not mean that air pollution is completely gone. Even though microscopic and toxic particles mixed in the air after bursting crackers are not visible to the eyes, they can enter the body through breathing. Therefore, even after Diwali, the threat of pollution remains. Especially fine particles like PM2.5 and PM10 can have a serious impact on health.
This has been revealed in a study published in the research journal 'Nature' in June 2026. Air pollution during and after Diwali was studied in 14 cities of the Indo-Gangetic plains. The study was conducted for 20 days from October to November 2024.
How much has the pollution level increased in 14 cities?
The research used ground-based air pollution monitoring stations, satellite data and meteorological data. The researchers analyzed the levels of particulate pollutants PM2.5 and PM10. According to the study, 14 cities recorded PM2.5 and PM10 levels 3 to 10 times higher than the national standards as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) 24-hour guideline limits during Diwali. PM2.5 levels increased by 19 percent in Delhi during Diwali.
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Even after Diwali, the problem of pollution did not subside immediately. Hisar in Haryana recorded PM2.5 levels above 250 micrograms per cubic metre. As of November 4, 2024, PM2.5 levels in Delhi were above 200 micrograms per cubic meter. Along with smoke from firecrackers, pollution caused by stubble burning and inclement weather also played a role.
How long does firecracker smoke stay in the air?
There is no single definite answer as to how long the smoke generated from firecrackers will remain in the air. Larger particles in smoke settle to the ground relatively quickly. However, ultra fine particles like PM2.5 can stay in the air longer.
Its duration mainly depends on following factors.
– Wind speed : Pollutant particles can be dispersed if the wind speed is high. If the wind is light, they tend to stay in one area.
– Effect of rain: Rain helps to wash down some of the polluting particles in the air.
– Changes in temperature: Changes in temperature can cause pollutant particles to become trapped near the ground.
– Air humidity: Due to high humidity, some particles absorb water and become bigger. It may appear to increase the amount of fog and smoke.
– Stubble burning: Smoke from crop residue burning in farms in North India mixes with firecracker pollution.
Therefore, even if bursting of firecrackers is stopped, air pollution does not disappear immediately.
What are the toxic ingredients in firecracker smoke?
Burning crackers not only produces smoke and ash, but also mixes fine particles of various chemicals and metals into the air.
1. PM2.5 : These are microscopic particles that can reach deep into the lungs through inhalation. Some particles can also affect the body's circulatory system.
2. PM10 : Although larger in size than PM2.5, these particles can enter the respiratory system and harm health.
3. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) : This gas can cause irritation in the respiratory tract. People with asthma may experience more trouble.
4. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) : This gas can affect the respiratory system and cause swelling in the lungs.
5. Heavy Metals: Some of the chemicals used in fireworks can add fine particles of metals such as barium, lead, aluminum and iron into the air.
In a study conducted in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, PM2.5 levels reached 632 micrograms per cubic meter on Diwali night. This level was about 3.3 times higher than on normal days. It was also observed that the amount of elements like lead, barium, calcium and iron increased by 3 to 20 times on the day of Diwali.
The threat of pollution from the lungs to the heart
Fine particles such as PM2.5 released from firecrackers are particularly hazardous to health. These particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs. It can cause coughing, sore throat, difficulty breathing and asthma symptoms. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can also increase the risk of heart disease. Micro pollutant particles can cause inflammation in the body. It can affect blood vessels and heart function. Especially children, senior citizens, pregnant women, asthma and COPD patients as well as people with heart disease need to protect themselves from polluted air.
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Dr. What did Randeep Guleria advise?
Former Director of AIIMS Dr. Randeep Guleria had on November 7 raised concerns about the health effects of pollution. He said that in the Delhi-NCR area, there has been an increase of about 20 percent in the number of patients suffering from respiratory problems due to pollution.
Asthma, COPD and heart disease patients are complaining of shortness of breath, heaviness in chest. He noted that even healthy individuals experience sore throat, persistent cough and shortness of breath.
He has given some important suggestions to avoid pollution.
– Avoid going outside as much as possible when the air is polluted.
– N95 mask should be used while going out for essential work.
– Avoid exercising in open spaces in the morning and evening.
– People with respiratory or heart problems should take special care.
– Seek medical advice in case of discomfort.
Just because the sky looks clear doesn't mean the air is clean!
A few days after Diwali, the smoke disappears. However, ultra fine particles like PM2.5 are invisible to the eye. Therefore, it may be wrong to conclude that the air is purified just because the sky looks clear.
Wind speed, rainfall and atmospheric movement are important factors in reducing air pollution. Conversely, slow winds and temperature inversions can cause pollution to accumulate near the ground. So citizens must check Air Quality Index (AQI) even after Diwali. PM2.5 and PM10 levels make it safer to make decisions about going out, exercising and letting children play outside. In short, even though the sound of firecrackers has stopped and the smoke has disappeared, the threat of pollution is not necessarily over. Even after Diwali, paying attention to air quality for some time is important for health.
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