There has been a 20% increase in the number of patients exhibiting chronic lung condition symptoms since Diwali, all thanks to the polluted and toxic air that we are inhaling in Delhi, writes Dr Ashutosh Srivastava

Diwali, the festival of lights, the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya, is one of the most auspicious and opulently celebrated festivals in the nation. Historically, firecrackers weren’t even in existence when the festival was initiated. For years, revellers have been marking the beginning of the festival by setting off smoke bombs, sparklers and firecrackers. Despite the beautiful light, sparks and patterns the firecrackers emanate, the pollution and harm it causes cannot be overlooked. The air post Diwali turns especially toxic, damaging the air quality and trapping the pollutants in the lower atmosphere. The Government of India initiated a ban on the sale and use of firecrackers this year, in a number of states, to curb pollution. Despite the ban, the citizens did not seem deterred and appeared eager to burst crackers. A thick layer of smog enshrouded cities on Friday morning, hindering the visibility of people, troubling them with itchy throats and watery eyes.

Air pollution has become a serious problem in modern Indian cities, resulting in the death of several people and being the cause of terminal illnesses for others. According to Greenpeace around 52,700 people died prematurely in the nation’s capital due to exposure to air pollution in spite of the Covid Lockdown. As stated in the World Air Quality Report, 2020, twenty of the world’s 30 most polluted cities are situated in India. Airborne particulate matter is the major cause of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and asthma. Furthermore, the low temperatures and decreasing wind speed during Diwali, in the northern states, tends to trap the pollutants in the air for longer periods of time. Several states displayed an exponential surge in the Air Quality Index. On a scale of 500 certain states measured up to 450 and more, urging the severity of the situation. A measure between 0 to 50 is considered good, whereas a measure somewhere between 51 to 100 is acceptable. India has broken all scales and has proven how dangerous the tiny pollutants in the air are.

People are of the belief that “green” firecrackers are not dangerous and do not cause respiratory harm to the extent that non-green crackers do. Though they may be considered a satisfactory replacement, they are not completely pollution free. Bursting green crackers ensures that the emissions are reduced by thirty percent only, as mentioned by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Contrary to popular belief green crackers are not a better, more reliable, safer and sustainable alternative. They too use harmful chemicals like potassium nitrate, aluminum, magnesium and barium. Green crackers are not a solution to the air pollution caused by traditional firecrackers, as they too emit fine particulate matter in the air. Such fine particles have the ability to travel beyond the throat, occupy the lungs and cause severe health problems in the long run.

Toxic chemicals, particularly sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, monoxide, manganese, cadmium and carbon monoxide are ejected in high and dense concentration into the atmosphere. In a study performed by Chest Research Foundation, Pune, firecrackers increase the levels of sulphur dioxide by 200 times above the level prescribed as safe by the World Health Organisation. Such chemicals have an immediate effect on one’s health, and can also result in long lasting illnesses. Patients of asthma and bronchitis are at a greater risk of their health deteriorating due the adverse effects of the chemicals and air pollution. Doctors have often mentioned, in interviews, that the frequency and volume of patients complaining of breathing troubles and allergic reactions due to chemical irritants increases every year post Diwali. Every year there is an almost thirty to forty percent rise in the number of asthma cases. Besides people with lung infections, children and senior citizens also face physical health difficulties instigated by pollution caused during Diwali.

Since the pandemic has ensued, life itself has become a struggle. Mundane activities are also required to be performed with utmost care and concern. As of November 1, 2021 India has reported a total of 34 million confirmed Corona cases. Thirty four million people have suffered the wrath of the undefeated disease. Considering the multitude of people that have been affected, it has been advised that those affected by Covid-19 keep away from bursting firecrackers. It is ironic to observe that just a few months back people were struggling to access oxygen due to shortage of oxygen tanks and now people are bursting firecrackers with no consideration for the Covid recovered patients. Those that have been affected by the virus are yet to build an invincible immune system. There has been a 20% increase in the number of patients exhibiting chronic lung condition symptoms since Diwali. At its peak, hospitalisations go up by 40%. Covid patients, especially those who have taken a trip to the Intensive Care Unit have higher chances of experiencing hyper activity due to irritants. Nearly twenty to thirty percent of recovered Covid patients have suffered due to the after effects of Diwali. The lower the lung efficiency the greater the risks of contracting the virus. Combining long term exposure to air pollution and the infection of the virus will have an adverse effect on one’s health, especially the lungs, heart and blood vessels, which will lead to greater vulnerability to Covid. The crisis will intensify and leave people sick and tired.

Harmful effects of chemicals used in firecrackers

Chemicals used in firecrackers can cause serious damage to the respiratory tract and contribute to infectious diseases and inflammation.

•  Copper: causes irritation to the respiratory tract
•  Cadmium: affects the ability of blood to carry oxygen, leading to anemia
•  Zinc: instigates nausea, vomiting and may also cause fever
•  Lead: adversely affects the human nervous system
•  Magnesium: fume fever
•  Sodium: is the main cause of burns and wounds inflicted
•  Carbon monoxide: replaces oxygen in blood therefore, depriving the heart, brain and other essential organs of oxygen
•  Carbon dioxide: causes dizziness, headaches, difficulty in breathing, increased heart rate
•  Sulphur dioxide: increases the risk of respiratory tract infection and irritates the eye

When to approach a Doctor?

Your health is not to be taken lightly. Be self aware and keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

•  Wheezing
•  Flaring nostrils
•  Excessive perspiration
•  Fever
•  Tightness in the throat
•  Shortness of breath
•  Chest congestion

If one or any of these symptoms are observed please contact a medical professional. Ignoring the obvious symptoms or prolonging the effects will only escalate the issue and cause an even greater discomfort.

Precautions to be Taken

We’re all familiar with the age old saying ‘precaution is better than cure’. Now that the air is already toxic, here’s what you can do:

• Vitamin C rich diet: If your diet is rich in Vitamin C, you are sure to have a well supported  immunity. Citrus fruits and juices such as mangoes, papaya, watermelons, pineapples and strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cabbage and potatoes are rich in Vitamin C. You may also choose to include magnesium and omega fatty acids in your diet to establish a balanced, well nutritioned diet.
• Do not exercise outdoors: With pollution levels soaring it is important to decrease the frequency of stepping out. Stick to exercising indoors. Limit the outdoor activities of children, senior citizens and those suffering from breathing problems.
• Keep an inhaler or medicines at reach: Those suffering from asthma, bronchitis or chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease should have their inhaler or other prescribed medicine at arms reach. Follow all the directions as instructed by your doctor to prevent exacerbation of your physical ailments. Try not to step out of your house, especially in the evenings, when the air quality is at its worst until absolutely necessary.
• Hydrate yourself: Drink lots and lots of water to keep yourself hydrated and fresh. Keep water handy in case someone starts coughing or wheezing.
• Use masks: Wear one, not only to prevent the spread of the virus but also to protect yourself from the fumes released into the atmosphere. A good quality mask preferably N95, N99 or N100 will surely prove effective at filtering the tiny particulate matter from the air.
• Refrain from eating outside: Eating unhealthy, oily food might spoil your festive mood. Stomach infections, vomiting, diarrhea, food poisoning are some of the illnesses that one can experience.
• Proper ventilation: Allow air to circulate throughout the house by opening the doors and windows. Fresh air does wonders for the body. Though make sure you close all the doors and windows in the evening to prevent smoke, fine particles and noise from invading your home.
• Air purifiers: For people suffering from pre-existing health issues, an air purifier is a worthy investment. It will serve well by removing pollutants, toxins and allergens from the air, thereby improving the air quality.

Celebrations do not imply risking one’s health and safety. Prioritise your and your loved ones’ health above all. Now that the damage is done, take ample measures to mitigate the harmful effects. Government is vigilant on the crackers which are not only limited to smoke, but, also burns, noise and related health hazards. Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment has done excellent studies and suggested detailed guidelines for prevention.

The writer is Medical Director, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital