--- title: "Air Quality Concerns Raised for Diwali Celebrations in Northern India" url: https://newscentral.site/air-quality-concerns-raised-for-diwali-celebrations-in-northern-india/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-11-07T03:05:25.000Z updated: 2026-11-07T06:45:59.243Z id: c4c011ed-ac09-4e3a-bc21-f18a7492c13d source: "ABC News International https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/diwali-celebrations-coincide-worsening-air-heres-stay-safer-137933383" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/air-quality-concerns-raised-for-diwali-celebrations-in-northern-india/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Air Quality Concerns Raised for Diwali Celebrations in Northern India The return of winter air brings hazardous conditions to parts of northern India, where Diwali celebrations are taking place, raising concerns about safety and health. Diwali celebrations are just around the corner, but for people in northern India, this festive season coincides with hazardous winter air, raising concerns about safety. The return of winter air brings severe smog to parts of Pakistan and China, where warmer air acts as a lid, trapping colder air and pollution near the ground. In eastern Europe, burning coal and wood for heating adds to winter pollution, while in western Hemisphere countries, summer wildfires send smoke across vast areas of the United States and Canada. Experts stress that simple steps can reduce exposure to pollutants, regardless of where you live or when you face air-quality problems. Checking the air quality index, wearing a well-fitting mask, and using air purifiers are basic precautions that can make a difference. Diwali is celebrated by an estimated 1 billion people worldwide, primarily Hindus and Jains with ties to ancient epics like the Ramayana. During the holiday, fireworks are traditionally set off, but they can exacerbate polluted air conditions. The combination of fireworks and existing pollution creates a hazardous situation for those celebrating Diwali in areas with poor air quality. In India, Pakistan, and other parts of South Asia, traffic, factories, construction dust, and burning crop residues and waste all contribute to the problem. Weak winds and stagnant winter air allow this pollution to build up, making it even more critical for people to take precautions during Diwali celebrations. The poor air quality in India is a persistent issue that affects many parts of the country throughout the year. Shweta Narayan, a public health expert at the Global Climate and Health Alliance, notes that firecrackers used during Diwali celebrations only exacerbate an already critical problem. India's air quality index provides a clear warning system for residents to gauge the severity of pollution in their area. The index categorizes readings into three levels: "poor" (201-300), "very poor" (301-400), and "severe" (401-500). Even healthy individuals can be harmed by severe air quality. To stay informed about local pollution levels, residents should check government or privately run websites for data from nearby monitoring stations. It's essential to note the time of the last update, as a citywide average may not accurately reflect conditions in specific neighborhoods. Delhi is particularly affected by poor air quality, with fine particle pollution reaching alarming levels last year. On multiple occasions, air monitors have even reached their maximum reading capacity, highlighting the severity of the issue in the city. Public health experts argue that temporary restrictions on construction, industry, and vehicles often fail to address the root causes of Delhi's air pollution problem. In response, the city has begun implementing a long-term plan to promote the use of electric vehicles, which is expected to contribute to improved air quality over time. Air quality during Diwali celebrations has become a major concern due to high levels of pollution in many cities. Respirator masks are available in different types, including N95 and N99 filters, which capture at least 95% and 99% of airborne particles respectively. However, these masks do not filter out harmful gases. To ensure proper use, the nose clip should be shaped to create a tight seal around the face. Proper fitting and usage of respirator masks are crucial in protecting against pollution. Facial hair can break the seal between the mask and the skin, so users must check the fit every time they put on a new mask. Additionally, disposable masks should be replaced when dirty or damaged, and people with heart or lung disease should consult their doctor before using them. The use of loose surgical masks, cloth masks, or scarves is not recommended as they do not provide reliable protection against fine particles. These makeshift solutions can even lead to a false sense of security, causing users to neglect other protective measures. Using air purifiers indoors can help mitigate the effects of pollution, especially in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter. When selecting an air purifier, look for one with a HEPA filter and check its clean air delivery rate to ensure it can effectively clean the air in a given room. When placing an air purifier in your home, consider positioning it in areas where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom. Air purifiers work by trapping particles using HEPA filters and some models also come equipped with substantial activated-carbon filters that can remove certain gases from the air. However, no air purifier is capable of removing every pollutant present in the air. Some machines may even produce ozone deliberately, which can irritate the lungs. Reducing exposure to pollution through cleaner indoor air is a crucial step towards staying safe, but it's essential to remember that an air purifier cannot eliminate all health risks associated with pollution entirely. Kumar emphasized this point. In addition to using air purifiers, there are other steps you can take to minimize your exposure to pollution during Diwali celebrations. Avoiding the use of incense, mosquito coils, and candles is crucial, as these particles can linger indoors for hours in poorly ventilated rooms. Fireworks also pose a significant threat to air quality, especially when many households set them off simultaneously, releasing combined emissions that can worsen air quality across neighborhoods and cities. Even electric lights can be a safer alternative to traditional firecrackers, eliminating the need for toxic gases and smoke. As Diwali celebrations intensify across India, air quality has reached hazardous levels in many cities, posing a significant health risk to millions of people. Environmental activists are urging governments to take immediate action to reduce pollution sources and provide affordable healthcare for those already affected by poor air quality. Masks and respirators can offer temporary protection from particulate matter, but lasting solutions require sustained efforts from governments to clean the air and address the root causes of pollution. Activists emphasize that holding governments accountable is crucial in this effort, as they are ultimately responsible for ensuring public health and safety. --- Source: [ABC News International](https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/diwali-celebrations-coincide-worsening-air-heres-stay-safer-137933383) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/air-quality-concerns-raised-for-diwali-celebrations-in-northern-india/