Diwali air pollution: Doctors share tips to stay safe amidst air quality concerns

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mumbai has been considerably poor for the past few weeks. Further, the onset of winter and Diwali pollution from crackers is going to exacerbate the condition. In such times, it becomes necessary to brace yourself and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from health conditions that are likely to arise. To address this issue and help you prevent falling sick, we roped in two Mumbai-based health experts who answer relevant questions.

Dr Harish Chafle, pulmonology and critical care, Global Hospitals Parel Mumbai says, "During Diwali, the air gets contaminated with a myriad of chemicals that are released from bursting crackers. These fireworks are known to release harmful substances that can have detrimental effects on both the environment and human health."

He adds, "The poor Air Quality Index (AQI) prevalent in Mumbai can exacerbate Diwali pollution to alarming levels. Diwali involves the bursting of firecrackers that release harmful pollutants into the air."

One of the most dangerous chemicals emitted by firecrackers is sulphur dioxide (SO2). This toxic gas is released when crackers containing sulphur compounds explode. SO2 can have severe respiratory effects, causing irritation in the eyes and throat, and exacerbating conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.

Another hazardous chemical commonly found after Diwali celebrations is nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a harmful gas produced when explosives generate high temperatures. Exposure to NO2 can lead to respiratory problems like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Adding to this, Dr Sumeet Singhania, consultant, pulmonary medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai says, "Any kind of air pollution is harmful to health and the commonest conditions which are linked to air pollution are related to the lungs. There is absolutely no doubt, that the deteriorating air quality in the city is getting worse by the day. However, pollution from Diwali cannot be held as the only cause."

List common health issues that people are prone to developing during Diwali due to air pollution.

Chafle: One common health issue that arises during this time is respiratory problems, especially among those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. The smoke and toxic chemicals released by fireworks can cause irritation in the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, wheezing and difficulty in breathing.

Eyes are also affected during Diwali. The bursting of firecrackers releases pollutants like sulfur dioxide, heavy metals, and fine particulate matter into the air which can enter our eyes. These pollutants cause redness, itching, watering of the eyes, and even conjunctivitis in some cases.

Singhania: Besides respiratory ailments, the most common organ that gets affected during Diwali is your heart. The risk of heart attacks or heart diseases in areas with high pollution is high. This is because fine particulates released by fireworks can enter the bloodstream through inhalation and lead to inflamed blood vessels.
How does Diwali pollution particularly harm respiratory health?

Chafle: The bursting of firecrackers during Diwali releases harmful substances like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and tiny particles known as particulate matter (PM). The bursting of firecrackers during Diwali releases harmful substances like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and tiny particles known as particulate matter (PM). When one breathes these pollutants into our respiratory system, they irritate and inflame air passages and lung tissues. This leads to shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and even asthma attacks in individuals with pre-existing conditions. Not only do these symptoms cause discomfort and distress but prolonged exposure to such pollutants can also result in chronic lung diseases like bronchitis or emphysema.
Can those, who have suffered from severe Covid-19 be at a higher risk during Diwali?

Chafle: Those who have suffered from severe Covid-19 should exercise additional caution during Diwali due to their compromised health status. They may face long-lasting effects such as reduced lung function and a weakened immune system. To protect themselves, individuals who have recovered from severe Covid-19 should be cautious during Diwali festivities. Avoid crowded places and maintain social distancing whenever possible. Opting for virtual celebrations or smaller gatherings with close family members can minimise exposure. Using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce the strain on their respiratory system caused by loud firecrackers.

What special care must be taken for asthma patients, senior citizens and children?

Singhania: It is extremely important that all asthma patients who have been advised by their doctors, take their inhalers regularly even if they are in the best of health and do not have any symptoms. Do not make the mistake of avoiding taking the inhalers. Usually, the doctors will give you a self-management asthma plan, which you can implement. One of the most common examples is that they tend to ask you to double the dose of your inhaler when you have more symptoms. But this has to be done in consultation with your doctor.

The same holds for elderly patients or those patients who have underlying respiratory conditions. Children, especially infants, should be protected from being in a heavily polluted area. Children, when bursting crackers, should always be supervised by their parents. If they begin to develop any respiratory problems, they should preferably wear a mask while bursting the firecrackers. Try to use firecrackers that induce less smoke.

What are the signs that can indicate deterioration in one's health due to pollution?

Chafle: Some key signs include increased coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may arise as a result of inhaling pollutants like particulate matter and ozone. Exposure to pollutants can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and dryness which can be added symptoms. Polluted air can also cause allergies to worsen or trigger new ones altogether. Cognitive decline can also be linked with exposure to polluted air.

Chafle suggests seeing a doctor in case one experiences breathlessness, palpitations, wheezing, and persistent cough.

The doctors suggest a few ways to protect ourselves from air pollution during Diwali:

1. Choose firecrackers that are labelled as environment-friendly or those that emit less smoke and noise. This reduces the overall impact on air quality significantly.

2. Avoid being outdoors for long hours, especially during peak hours when pollution levels are generally higher. Avoid areas where fireworks are frequent.

3. Those patients who have respiratory problems should try and keep their windows and doors closed during the highest hours of pollution. Those who have an underlying lung condition should prefer to stay home.

4. Use air purifiers if necessary to maintain indoor air quality. Invest in air purifiers that remove harmful pollutants from the air, such as smoke particles, dust, pollen, and pet dander. It's important to choose an air purifier that has a HEPA filter as these filters are highly efficient at trapping small particles.

5. Protect yourself from inhaling harmful pollutants by wearing an appropriate face mask whenever you step out during Diwali festivities.

6. Educate friends and family about the harmful effects of firecracker pollution during Diwali.

7. Check for pollution forecasts before planning your day.

8. Limit your use of firecrackers, and limit the number of dhup agarbattis that you burn inside the house during Diwali puja. Some people tend to burn a lot of dhup inside the house which increases the amount of pollution.

9. Further, burst firecrackers only in open areas and to a limited amount.