After the Festivities: Understanding the Health Impact of Post-Diwali Air and Noise Pollution

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated across India with immense enthusiasm. People light diyas, share sweets, and burst firecrackers, spreading joy and happiness. However, the aftermath often shrouds cities in a dense smog and fills the air with cacophony, harming both health and the environment. Fireworks, which are central to Diwali celebrations, are a major cause of this spike in air and noise pollution.

In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of Diwali pollution on human health and the environment. We’ll also discuss practical ways to mitigate these effects while still enjoying the festival.

Also, read: Environmental Health: Nurturing Wellness for Future Generations

Air and Noise Pollution by Diwali

Firecrackers have become synonymous with Diwali, forming an integral part of the celebration. A large number of harmful gases PM2.5 and PM10 are emitted into the air, and that leads to the pollution of air during Diwali. At the same time, the noise from the crackers creates noise pollution, which not only impacts human well-being but that of animals as well.

Why does the Pollution Peak post-Diwali?

Firecracker explosions release harmful pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium. They stay suspended in the atmosphere and, in many regions of India during Diwali, trap in lower temperatures close to the earth's surface and thus thicken to smog.

Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

The days following Diwali often bring a surge in air pollution, which poses immediate and long-term health risks. Here's how polluted air affects our bodies:

1. Respiratory Issues:

The fine particulate matter, PM2.5, and PM10 emitted with fireworks can penetrate easily inside the respiratory tract, causing irritation and inflammation. Pre-existing diseases, such as asthma or COPD, increase the level of risk for exacerbated symptoms.

• Shallow Breathing: High levels of pollutants can make breathing difficult, especially for the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions.
• Asthma Attacks: Polluted air worsens asthma, increasing both severity and frequency of attacks.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Dangerous airborne particles can inflame the bronchi, leading to persistent coughing and mucus production.

2. Cardiovascular Problems:

Air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. Particulate matter gets dissolved in the blood causing an inflammatory reaction in the vessels, and this will elevate blood pressure even higher leading to diseases that can cause complications with your heart.

• High Blood Pressure: Chemicals from fireworks can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure, posing a risk to those with heart conditions.
• Heart Attack Risk: Studies show that exposure to air pollution heightens the likelihood of heart attacks, particularly in vulnerable groups.

3. Immune System Impact:

Exposure to air pollution over long periods tends to suppress the human immune system. It has made people more prone to infections, especially since heavy metals found in fireworks tend to build up within the body and lead to toxic buildup.

• Weakened Immunity: A weakened immune system would find it hard to fend off common infections, and recovery is slower and much more difficult.
• Inflammatory Response: Pollutants can trigger chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases.

4. Allergies and Skin Conditions Deterioration:

In addition, chemicals emitted from Diwali fireworks can irritate the skin and exacerbate allergies in patients. People suffering from eczema or dermatitis may notice flare-ups because of the higher toxins in the air.

While the dangers of air pollution are more visible, noise pollution silently impacts health and well-being, often going unnoticed

Also, read: Breathing Life into Environmental Health: How Clean Air and Water Impact Wellness

Noise Pollution During Diwali

While air pollution is visibly harmful, noise pollution disrupts our health in less obvious but equally damaging ways. Here’s how noise pollution affects us:

1. Hearing Damage:

• Temporary Loss: Firecracker noise, often exceeding 125 dB, can cause ringing in the ears or muffled hearing.
• Permanent Impairment: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can permanently damage the inner ear.

2. Psychological Effects:

• Increased Stress: Loud noises elevate stress hormones like cortisol, contributing to various health disorders.
• Sleep Disturbances: Noise pollution disrupts sleep patterns, leading to irritability and reduced cognitive performance.

Environmental Hazard of Diwali Pollution

Besides the direct hazards to health, Diwali pollution also causes harsh effects on the environment. Combustion and chemicals discharged by fireworks cause the impairment of air quality, contributing not only to human disease but also to wildlife and plant life.

1. Harm to Vegetation:

Research shows that chemical residues from fireworks inhibit photosynthesis, damaging plant health. Trees and crops exposed to high levels of pollution frequently display stunted growth with damage to the leaves.

2. Effects on Animals:

Both air and noise pollution from Diwali have adverse effects on animals. Pets and stray animals are very sensitive to loud noises, which can create panic, stress, and even physical damage. Birds and other wildlife are also affected, as loud sounds can disrupt their natural behaviors and habitats.

Reducing the Impact of Diwali Pollution

While Diwali is an important festival with cultural and religious importance, there is a way to reduce the environmental impact of this festive season and promote healthier festivity. Here are a few effective strategies for preventing pollution:

Also, read: Understanding the Ways to Protect Your Environment

1. Shift to Eco-Friendly Fireworks:

Eco-friendly or "green" fireworks are those that produce minimal smoke and fewer toxic chemicals. They are a good alternative to reduce air pollution by Diwali.

2. Community Celebrations:

Another way of generally controlling pollution is by holding community fireworks displays and not individual displays.

Relegating the use of firecrackers only within some premises can help cut noise pollution.

3. Noiseless Fireworks:

Now, there are silent fireworks that release sharp vibrant displays without loud booming noises. It is a recommendation to sensitive people and animals.

4. Purification of Air through Purgers and Masks:

Home use of air purifiers reduces indoor air pollution, and wearing masks while coming out protects one from ingesting harmful particles inhaled when stepping outside. A few simple measures may diminish the impact of air pollutants on human health.

5. Plant More Trees:

Trees are natural air cleansers that absorb pollutants to give out oxygen. People can plant trees around homes or participate in community-led tree-planting programs to help clean the atmosphere over a long period.

Conclusion

During Diwali, air and noise pollution levels spike, so it’s important to understand their effects before making choices about how to celebrate. Being informed can help us make more eco-friendly decisions. We can celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly way while staying true to our traditions, reducing harm to the environment by spreading awareness about the impacts of pollution.

Together, we could make a difference and savor a safer, cleaner, and healthier celebration of Diwali.