New Delhi: The celebrations of Diwali may have ended, but their impact on air quality continues to linger across several Indian cities. A rise in pollution levels following the festival has once again raised concerns about the health risks associated with firecracker smoke and prolonged exposure to toxic air.
On November 8, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 376, its highest Diwali reading in five years. The situation remained concerning the following morning, with AQI touching around 370. Across the country, 213 out of 278 cities with comparable readings recorded worsening air quality on November 9. Mumbai recorded an average AQI of 172 after Diwali, although several neighbourhoods experienced sharp pollution spikes.
While firecrackers contribute significantly to the post-Diwali pollution burden, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, crop-residue burning and unfavourable weather conditions further aggravate the situation. Low wind speeds and atmospheric conditions can prevent pollutants from dispersing, allowing harmful particles to remain suspended in the air.
How Do Our Lungs Respond To Post-Diwali Pollution?
Explaining the body’s natural response to polluted air, Dr. Vijay Mohan S highlights the protective mechanisms of the respiratory system but cautions that these defences have limitations.
The airways produce mucus to trap dust, microbes and other harmful particles. Tiny hair-like structures called cilia continuously move this mucus towards the throat, where it can be expelled through coughing or swallowed. Immune cells called macrophages also help remove foreign particles that enter deeper parts of the lungs.
However, these mechanisms cannot completely protect the body against high levels of pollution. Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream.
What Happens When We Breathe Polluted Air For Days?
Post-Diwali exposure to firecracker smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, persistent coughing, wheezing, chest discomfort and breathlessness. Medical experts have also warned that fine particles can trigger airway inflammation and aggravate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to air pollution is associated with respiratory infections, lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with pre-existing health conditions face greater risks.
Can We Protect Our Lungs?
Health experts emphasise that the body’s natural defence mechanisms alone cannot counter sustained exposure to polluted air. Limiting outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality, improving indoor ventilation when outdoor conditions permit, reducing personal exposure to smoke and following local air-quality advisories can help.
Ultimately, cleaner energy, reduced vehicular emissions, effective pollution monitoring and stronger environmental regulations are essential.
The message is clear: Diwali celebrations may end in a night, but the health consequences of polluted air can last much longer.
