Diwali Celebrations Coincide with Worsening Air. Here’s How to Stay Safer
Delhi’s fine particle pollution averaged 19 times the World Health Organization guideline last year as authorities imposed restrictions and experts urged masks and purifiers.
- On Sunday, an estimated 1 billion people across South Asia will celebrate Diwali, a holiday of Hindus and Jains, as hazardous winter smog returns to the region.
- Pollution builds up across South Asia due to crop burning, traffic, factories, and stagnant winter winds; in Delhi, a city of more than 20 million people, fine particle pollution averaged about 19 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline last year.
- Dr. Arvind Kumar, a chest surgeon at Medanta hospital, recommends using properly fitted N95 or N99 masks outdoors, which capture at least 95% and 99% of airborne particles respectively.
- Indoors, experts suggest using air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters; residents should also avoid incense, mosquito coils, and candles, as particles linger for hours in poorly ventilated rooms.
- Fireworks traditionally set off during the holiday can make the polluted air more dangerous. "It's our responsibility to hold our governments accountable," said Shweta Narayan, a public health expert at the Global Climate and Health Alliance.
20 Articles
20 Articles
India revels in Diwali celebrations, Delhi AQI dips to 'very poor'
India celebrated Diwali with traditional fervour, marked by diverse festivities across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar, while other political leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Yogi Adityanath also shared their celebrations. Meanwhile, Delhi faced challenges with 'very poor' air quality and strict vigil on firecracker bursting.
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaIndia revels in Diwali celebrations; crackers contribute to 'very poor' Delhi air
On Sunday, Diwali celebrations were held across India, with various leaders participating in customary rituals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the festival with security personnel in Chhattisgarh, marking a new era free from Naxalism. In Delhi, strict measures were taken to ensure compliance with safety regulations regarding firecrackers during the festivities. Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi worsened due to pollution from celebrati…
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