Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Published : October 24, 2014 2:55 PM IST
As predicted, the air quality has deteriorated this Diwali in major cities of India, with Delhi topping the list of poor air quality. As per the air quality index, Delhi recorded the highest level of pollution (RSPM 531 mg per cubic metre) post-Diwali, followed closely by Chennai (320 mg per cubic metre), and Bangalore (239 mg per cubic metre). (Read: Diwali 2014: 100 injured due to fire mishaps in Jaipur)
According to the predictions made by System of Air quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the pollution levels were to be high in areas around Delhi University's North Campus and Rajendra Nagar, Mathura Road and Noida, and low in Aya Nagar and Palam (Terminal 3 area). The pollution levels were overall expected to be 4-5 times higher than the normal level. But Delhi has outdone the predictions, with the air quality in the city being recorded nine times higher than the normal pollution level.
Here are health risks you should watch out for during and post-Diwali
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 respiratory problems: People with disease of the respiratory system are the hardest hit as there is hardly any escape for them from the congested air. Sulphur dioxide can cause contractions in the respiratory system. Other pollutants can also cause burning in the eye, headaches, and other respiratory problems like pulmonary emphysema. Firecrackers causes chest and throat blockage and is likely to worsen problems for those already suffering from coughs, colds and respiratory allergies. The harmful after-affects may include acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma, eye infections, allergic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases), allergic rhinitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, pneumonia and the number of patients of common cold also increases during Diwali. (Read: 8 health risks you must watch out for this Diwali)
With inputs from PTI
Photo source: Getty images
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