Diwali 2014: Air quality to deteriorate in the next 2 days

By: Shraddha Rupavate | | Published: October 23, 2014 6:22 pm

The festival of lights this year is all set to shoot up air and noise pollution. As per the predictions made by System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), which monitors air quality of 10 locations in Pune, the air quality in the city will deteriorate greatly in the next two days if the same number of firecrackers is burst as last year. Also Read - Beware! Air pollution can lead to irreversible blindness. Here’s how to stay safe

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Although the air quality is being reported as ‘good to moderate’ until now in Pune, today and tomorrow the city will see a drop in air quality to poor. SAFAR researchers say, it would be the worst on October 24. Not only Pune, the air quality will deteriorating greatly in cities like Mumbai where Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Also Read - Natural antioxidants that can help your body deal with air pollution

As per the predictions, if people reduce bursting firecrackers even by a minimum of 10 per cent compared to last year the air quality will not drop that severely. So avoid bursting crackers this year if you want to breathe fresh air and stay away from the following health hazards.

Risk of asthma attack: Often during and after Diwali, doctors see an increase in patients having asthmatic attacks due to the congestion in the air. The harmful gasses that are released in the environment when mixed with carbon monoxide from traffic pollution and early winter fog can be extremely harmful for asthma patients. Asthmatic patients are prone to have asthma attacks during this festival. The crackers are one of the aggravating factors for childhood bronchial asthma and there is threat of exposure even if these fireworks are not burnt. These particles are very small (1 to 5 microns in size) and contain metals along with carbon has disastrous after effects.

Risk of heart health hazards: The high decibel noise caused by hundreds of firecrackers also causes unease in heart patients and those who have hypertension. It may lead to high blood pressure, sleeping disturbances. Sudden exposure to loud noise can cause temporary or permanent deafness or even result in heart attacks. Cardiac patients are at a risk too because loud explosions can be harmful to them. All these issues should be taken into account while celebrating Diwali, says Dr.Gyanendra Agrawal, Consultant, Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Jaypee Hospital.

Risk of burn injuries: Besides, the most notorious effect of crackers is burn injuries that occur due to accidents or lack of safe practices.

Risk of nervous health problems: Suspended particulate matter (SPM) can lead to serious headaches and abridged mental perspicacity. The after-effects are more severe for people suffering from heart, lung or central nervous system diseases and can cause restrictive lung disease, and pneumoconiosis. (Read: 8 health risks you must watch out for this Diwali.)

Photo source: Getty images ( Pic for representational purpose only)

Published : October 23, 2014 6:22 pm

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