--- title: "Air Quality Concerns Rise Ahead of Diwali Celebrations" url: https://newscentral.site/air-quality-concerns-rise-ahead-of-diwali-celebrations/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Science" published: 2026-11-07T11:40:01.000Z updated: 2026-11-07T13:42:23.457Z id: 1576cd31-bd02-4f77-8509-904a5b7f9219 source: "Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2026-11-diwali-celebrations-coincide-worsening-air.html" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/air-quality-concerns-rise-ahead-of-diwali-celebrations/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Air Quality Concerns Rise Ahead of Diwali Celebrations Millions preparing for Diwali celebrations in South Asia face hazardous winter air quality due to pollution levels already high in northern India. As millions prepare for Diwali celebrations across South Asia, a daunting challenge emerges: navigating hazardous winter air quality. The holiday coincides with the return of severe smog in northern India, where pollution levels are already alarmingly high. For residents of Pakistan and China, winter brings its own set of environmental hazards, as warmer air can trap colder air and pollutants near the ground, exacerbating existing problems. In eastern Europe, coal and wood burning for heating further contributes to poor air quality. Meanwhile, western Hemisphere countries face their own seasonal air-quality issues, with summer wildfires spewing smoke across vast areas of the United States and Canada. As Diwali approaches, experts emphasize that simple precautions can significantly reduce exposure to hazardous pollutants. Checking the local air quality index, wearing a well-fitting mask, and using air purifiers in homes are all effective ways to minimize risks. With an estimated 1 billion people worldwide celebrating Diwali, fireworks traditionally set off during the holiday pose a significant threat to already-polluted air. The festive explosions can make polluted air even more hazardous, putting celebrants at risk of serious health problems. Across India and other parts of South Asia, traffic congestion, industrial emissions, construction dust, and burning crop residues and waste all combine to create a toxic environment. Weak winds and stagnant winter air allow pollution levels to build up, making the air quality crisis even more severe during Diwali celebrations. The poor air quality in India is a persistent issue that affects the country throughout the year, according to Shweta Narayan, a public health expert at the Global Climate and Health Alliance. Narayan emphasizes that firecrackers exacerbate this problem. India's air quality index categorizes pollution levels into different warning stages, based on measurements of various pollutants in the air. When AQI readings reach 201-300, it is considered "poor quality, while levels between 301-400 are classified as very poor. At 401-500, the air quality becomes severe," posing a risk even to healthy individuals. Before heading outdoors during Diwali celebrations, citizens can check pollution levels on government or privately run websites. It's essential to look for data from nearby monitoring stations and note the time of their last update. A citywide average may mask severe pollution in specific neighborhoods. In Delhi, where air quality is particularly concerning, fine particle pollution averaged about 19 times higher than the World Health Organization's annual guideline last year. Air pollution monitors have even reached maximum readings multiple times recently, highlighting the severity of the situation. To mitigate this issue, city authorities have implemented temporary restrictions on construction, industry, and vehicle usage. However, public health experts argue that such measures often fail to address the root causes of air pollution in Delhi, which has a population of over 20 million people. Delhi's residents are advised to use high-quality masks when venturing outdoors during the Diwali celebrations. N95 and N99 filters can capture at least 95% and 99% of airborne particles respectively, but these respirator masks do not filter out harmful gases. To ensure proper mask usage, individuals should cover their nose, mouth, and chin with the mask, shape the nose clip, and check for a tight seal every time it is put on. Facial hair can compromise the seal between the mask and face. It's essential to replace disposable masks when they become dirty, damaged, or difficult to breathe through, while children under 2 should not wear them at all. People with pre-existing heart or lung conditions are advised to consult a doctor before using masks, as they may exacerbate existing health issues. When using air purifiers indoors during Diwali celebrations, it's essential to ensure they are functioning correctly. This means selecting a device that has enough capacity to clean the air in the room where it is placed. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is a good starting point, as it can trap particles that would otherwise circulate in the air. To choose the right purifier, look for its clean air delivery rate, which measures the volume of filtered air it supplies. This will give you an idea of how well the device can improve indoor air quality. It's also crucial to place the purifier in a location where you spend most of your time, such as your bedroom. Clearing the airflow around the purifier is equally important for optimal performance. Make sure there are no obstructions or blockages that could reduce its effectiveness. Running it consistently will also help maintain cleaner indoor air throughout the celebration period. While HEPA filters can trap particles, they may not be effective against gases and other pollutants. Some air purifiers use substantial activated-carbon filters to remove certain gases, but even these devices cannot eliminate every pollutant from the air. Therefore, it's best to avoid machines that deliberately produce ozone, as this can irritate the lungs. It's also worth noting that electric lights can be a safer alternative to traditional firecrackers and other sources of pollution during Diwali celebrations. This way, you can still enjoy the festive atmosphere without exposing yourself or others to toxic gases and smoke. To minimize exposure to poor air quality during Diwali celebrations, it is advisable to reduce smoky cooking and use a kitchen exhaust that vents outdoors, as suggested by India's health ministry. The reality is that personal precautions have limitations, particularly for those who rely on outdoor work or cannot afford air purifiers. Even with the use of masks and filters, lasting protection requires addressing the root cause of pollution. Ultimately, it comes down to holding governments accountable for cleaning the air; without sustained action on pollution sources and affordable healthcare for those already suffering, the issue will persist. --- Source: [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-11-diwali-celebrations-coincide-worsening-air.html) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/air-quality-concerns-rise-ahead-of-diwali-celebrations/