Diwali Air Pollution: Effects on Respiratory Health and Prevention Tips

Diwali brings the warmth of glowing diyas, the sparkle of festive lights and the excitement of fireworks lighting up the night. But with it also comes the smoke, leaving behind polluted air that often leads to various respiratory symptoms or flare-ups in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. To help recognise the respiratory risks of Diwali air pollution and understand how to reduce its impact, this article covers the signs to look out for and the precautions you can take.

Why Air Quality Worsens Around Diwali

Diwali often coincides with a period when air quality is already deteriorating in many parts of India. Firecracker emissions add to the existing pollution, while seasonal weather conditions can prevent pollutants from dispersing easily. The result is a build-up of harmful particles and gases in the air, particularly in urban areas.

Several factors contribute to the rise in air pollution around Diwali:

• Firecracker Emissions: Fireworks release fine particulate matter, smoke and gases into the atmosphere. Some firecrackers also release metals and other chemical compounds that contribute to air pollution. The concentration of pollutants can rise sharply when fireworks are set off in large numbers over a short period.
• Weather Conditions: Diwali falls during the transition to winter in much of northern India. Low wind speeds and temperature inversions can limit the movement of pollutants, allowing them to remain closer to the ground for longer. Cooler air and changing weather patterns can make it harder for pollution to disperse.
• Existing Pollution: Vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, construction dust and other everyday sources already contribute to poor air quality. Firecracker smoke adds to this existing pollution rather than acting as the only source.

These factors can combine to increase exposure to air pollution during and after Diwali. Fine particulate matter is a particular concern because smaller particles can travel deep into the respiratory system when inhaled.

How Air Pollution Affects Respiratory Health

Air pollution can affect the respiratory system in different ways. Here are some of the possible respiratory effects:

1. Throat and Airway Irritation

Smoke and airborne pollutants can irritate the lining of the nose, throat and airways. This may cause a scratchy throat, dryness, sneezing or a burning sensation in the nose. The eyes may also become irritated, particularly when someone is close to firecracker smoke.

These symptoms may improve after exposure ends, although continued exposure to polluted air can prolong the irritation.

2. Coughing And Wheezing

The respiratory system has natural defence mechanisms that help remove inhaled particles. When smoke and pollutants irritate the airways, they can trigger coughing as the body attempts to clear the irritants.

Some people may also develop wheezing, a whistling sound produced when air moves through narrowed airways. Wheezing can be particularly concerning in people with asthma or other conditions that affect airflow.

3. Breathlessness

Fine particulate matter and other pollutants can contribute to airway inflammation and make breathing uncomfortable. People may notice breathlessness during physical activity or experience a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Those with existing respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to these effects. New or worsening breathlessness should not be dismissed as a normal consequence of the festive season.

4. Asthma Flare-Ups

Air pollution is a recognised trigger for asthma symptoms. Exposure to firecracker smoke and fine particles can irritate already sensitive airways, potentially leading to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

In some cases, symptoms may become severe enough to require urgent medical attention. People with asthma should follow their prescribed treatment plan and take precautions to minimise exposure during periods of poor air quality.

5. Worsening Of COPD Symptoms

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that causes airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties. Exposure to polluted air can aggravate symptoms in people living with COPD.

This may include increased breathlessness, more frequent coughing or a change in the amount or appearance of mucus. A sudden worsening of these symptoms may indicate a COPD exacerbation and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

6. Increased Respiratory Inflammation

Fine particles such as PM2.5 are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. Exposure can trigger inflammation in the respiratory tract and may affect the lungs' normal defence mechanisms.

The effects depend on the level and duration of exposure, as well as individual susceptibility. Repeated exposure to air pollution is associated with a greater risk of respiratory problems, although the impact of a particular Diwali exposure varies from person to person.

Who is More Vulnerable to Air Pollution?

Air pollution can affect anyone, including people who do not have a diagnosed respiratory condition. However, certain groups are more susceptible to its effects because their lungs are still developing, their respiratory function may be compromised, or they have existing health conditions. The following groups may need to take extra precautions during periods of high pollution:

Children

Children's lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air relative to their body weight than adults. Exposure to polluted air can irritate their airways, trigger coughing and worsen asthma symptoms. Keeping children away from firecracker smoke and limiting outdoor activities when air quality is poor can help reduce their exposure.

Older Adults

Age-related changes in lung function and the presence of chronic health conditions can make older adults more susceptible to air pollution. Those with existing heart or lung diseases may experience worsening symptoms during periods of poor air quality.

People With Asthma

People with asthma have sensitive airways that can become inflamed and narrow when exposed to certain triggers. Firecracker smoke and fine particulate matter may provoke symptoms, including wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. Even brief exposure can trigger symptoms in some individuals.

People With COPD

People living with COPD may already experience reduced airflow and difficulty breathing. Additional exposure to air pollution can worsen these symptoms and increase the likelihood of an exacerbation, particularly when pollution levels are high.

People With Other Health Conditions

Individuals with other chronic respiratory conditions or cardiovascular diseases may also be more vulnerable to the effects of polluted air. Those who have previously experienced breathing difficulties during periods of poor air quality should take particular care to limit exposure.

Outdoor Workers

People who work outdoors, including traffic personnel, delivery workers and street vendors, may spend several hours exposed to polluted air. Longer exposure can increase the amount of pollution they inhale, particularly when protective measures are limited

Tips to Reduce Exposure to Air Pollution

It may not be possible to avoid air pollution entirely during Diwali, especially in areas where pollution levels are already high. However, a few practical measures can help reduce exposure and limit its potential effects on respiratory health: 

1. Monitor Local Air Quality

Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) through reliable sources, such as the Central Pollution Control Board's monitoring services. The AQI provides information about the level of air pollution and its potential health implications.

When air quality is poor, consider the following precautions:

• Limit outdoor activities, particularly strenuous exercise.
• Reschedule walks, runs and outdoor workouts for periods when air quality is better.
• Avoid areas with visible smoke or heavy firecracker activity.
• Keep children and people with existing respiratory conditions indoors when pollution levels are high.

Remember that pollution levels can vary significantly across neighbourhoods and throughout the day. Check local readings rather than relying only on general reports for a city.

2. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Staying indoors can help reduce exposure to outdoor pollution, but fine particles can still enter homes through open windows, doors and other gaps.

These measures can help limit indoor exposure:

• Keep windows and external doors closed during periods of heavy outdoor smoke.
• Use a portable air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if available.
• Avoid adding indoor pollutants through smoking, incense sticks, candles or other sources of smoke.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintaining air purifiers and replacing filters.

Closing windows throughout the day may affect ventilation, so air the home when outdoor pollution levels are lower. An air purifier can reduce airborne particles in a suitable room, but it cannot eliminate every pollutant.

3. Wear A Well-Fitting Respirator

If going outdoors is unavoidable during periods of high pollution, a well-fitting N95 or equivalent particulate respirator can help reduce inhalation of fine particles.

For better protection:

• Choose a respirator that fits snugly over the nose and mouth.
• Ensure there are no significant gaps around the edges.
• Replace it if it becomes damaged, dirty or difficult to breathe through.
• Remember that cloth masks and loose-fitting surgical masks offer limited protection against fine particulate matter.

Particulate respirators do not protect against every gas or chemical vapour in firecracker smoke. They should be used alongside other measures to reduce exposure, rather than as a substitute for avoiding heavily polluted areas.

4. Stay Away From Firecracker Smoke

One of the most practical ways to reduce exposure is to avoid being close to firecrackers when they are set off. Smoke concentrations can be particularly high near the source.

Consider these precautions:

• Avoid standing close to fireworks or areas where firecrackers are being burst.
• Keep children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions away from smoke.
• Avoid lighting firecrackers in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Consider celebrating with diyas, lights and other activities that do not generate firecracker smoke.

If smoke begins to accumulate nearby, move away from the affected area rather than waiting for it to clear.

5. Continue Prescribed Medication for Existing Respiratory Conditions

People with asthma, COPD or other chronic respiratory conditions should continue their prescribed treatment and follow their clinician's advice during periods of poor air quality.

Some useful precautions include:

• Keep prescribed inhalers and other essential medicines accessible.
• Follow the existing asthma or COPD action plan, if one has been provided.
• Avoid changing medication doses or starting additional medicines without medical advice.

Staying hydrated may help ease throat dryness, but drinking water does not remove inhaled pollutants from the lungs. The priority should remain reducing exposure and managing symptoms appropriately.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Mild throat irritation or an occasional cough after exposure to smoke may settle once the exposure stops. However, persistent symptoms or new breathing difficulties should not be ignored, particularly in people with existing respiratory conditions.

Medical attention may be necessary in the following situations:

• Persistent Cough: A cough that continues, worsens or interferes with sleep and daily activities warrants medical evaluation.
• Wheezing: New wheezing or a noticeable increase in wheezing may indicate airway irritation or worsening of an existing respiratory condition.
• Worsening Breathlessness: Seek medical advice if breathing becomes more difficult than usual, particularly during routine activities.
• Asthma Flare-Ups: If asthma symptoms become more frequent or the prescribed rescue inhaler provides less relief than usual, follow the asthma action plan and seek medical advice promptly.
• Changes In COPD Symptoms: Increased breathlessness, worsening cough or changes in mucus production may indicate an exacerbation that needs assessment.

Seek emergency medical care if there is severe difficulty breathing, bluish lips or skin, confusion, fainting or severe chest pain. Do not wait for these symptoms to improve on their own.

Final Word

Diwali should be a time to celebrate, not struggle to breathe. If breathing difficulties, persistent coughing or other respiratory concerns arise during or after the festivities, don't dismiss them as temporary effects of pollution. Consult a pulmonologist to understand what may be causing the symptoms and get appropriate medical advice.