Diwali is a time of celebration, but comes also with the fear of terrible pollution levels, increased health troubles, especially for children, elderly, the ill and pets at home. Unfortunately, shutting ourselves indoors does not help because the pollution inside is five times more than outside. Here’s a dekko at what you can actually do.
Diwali, the festival of lights, signifies the triumph of good over evil. This is the reason why people light up their homes with oil lamps and lights. In addition to lighting diyas, bursting firecrackers have also become an integral part of this festival. Though a fun activity, firecrackers during Diwali is one of the main reasons of the rising level of air pollution, especially in and around metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The heavy smoke combined with the mess of explosive papers and noise pollution are some of the long-term effects of the temporary celebration. Even after imposing umpteen bans and restrictions, every year after Diwali, metropolitan cities are covered by a toxic smog. Considering the dire situation, it’s high time we make some immediate efforts to reduce the harm caused to the environment before it’s too late. So, in this blog, we discuss in detail the factors responsible for pollution during Diwali and the possible solution one can take to protect our families from it in our homes.
How does Diwali Affect the Environment and Health of People?
Here are few ways to avoid Diwali pollution and celebrate Diwali in a manner which is noiseless, smokeless, and safe for all.
Firecrackers release a lot of chemicals in the environment that lead to a number of health problems. Some of effects are:
- Increase in the level of sulfur dioxide in the air and inhaling this toxic air lead to wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Cadmium is another chemical that is released in the air when you burst crackers. This chemical may lead to Anemia, kidney damage and affect the nervous system.
- Copper released in the air irritates your respiratory tract.
- Some other chemicals such as Lead, Magnesium, Nitrate are also released in the air every time you burn crackers lead to severe health problems.
Not just the air pollution but firecracker also increase noise pollution on Diwali.
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Who is At a Higher Risk?
Air pollution has a negative effect on the health and well-being of people of all age groups. However, the following people are at a higher risk of the effects of air pollution:
- People suffering from asthma or COPD
- Older people above 65 years
- People who exercise outdoors
- New Born Babies & childrens
- People suffering from cardiovascular diseases
- Pregnant women
Ways to Avoid Air Pollution During Diwali
Here are few ways that can help you avoid harming the environment during Diwali and celebrate eco-friendly and green Diwali, which is noiseless, smokeless, and safe for all.
Avoid burning firecrackers
The maximum pollution during Diwali is caused due to firecrackers. The toxin released from firecrackers make it difficult to breathe and even cause many respiratory diseases. Breathing this toxic air may lead to dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and coughing. Firecrackers can also lead to anxiety attacks not only among humans, but also birds and animals. Keeping these factors in mind, it is advisable to celebrate Diwali with Green cracker that is made by recycled papers. These crackers produce less noise, and are approved by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Use Diyas over electricity
There are different ways to celebrate Diwali and above all lighting up the whole house is the most important part of the Diwali celebration. People light up their houses with lights/bulbs before and after Diwali, which also contributes to pollution. However, this Diwali let us switch to a traditional way of celebration by lighting Diyas or earthen lamps that are bio-degradable and cost-effective.
Clean Up Your Own Mess
Burning crackers is bound to leave garbage behind. After the Diwali celebration, the roads are filled with garbage of paper and plastic. To ensure eco-friendly environment it is important that you take initiative to clean the surroundings. This will reduce the level of pollution caused by the wastes (environmental). Avoid burning those wastes because doing so will release sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide and innumerable particulate matter in the air, thereby affecting your health. So, you need to understand the consequences of it as they cause significant health hazards. Besides, burning the waste can cause smoke, which mixes with the fog to form smog.
Use Green Crackers
Keeping in mind about the adverse effects of air pollution, it is important to stop burning dangerous and high polluting crackers, instead, you can use green crackers. These crackers are less harmful as compared to the conventional firecrackers and do not contain any harmful chemicals. No harmful chemical means less pollution, and this would result in a clean environment. Using green cracker means a reduction in particulate matters and harmful gases by 30- 35%.
How Air Purifier can Beat Air Pollution?
The outdoor pollution during Diwali also has an impact on the indoor air. The deteriorating indoor air quality exposes you to a number of health problems such as asthma, COPD and respiratory problems. This is the reason why using an air purifier at home is necessary to improve the indoor air quality. Make sure to opt for an air purifier that uses 4 Stage Purification process (HEPA technology) as it is the most advanced and effective technology to remove all the possible contaminants from the air.
Which HEPA Air Purifier brand to choose?
You may find different air purifier brands such as KENT, Panasonic, Philips, Havells to name some available in the market. However, you need to ensure that you purchase the best of all. KENT is one of the well-known air purifier brands that offer an excellent range of air purifiers. KENT air purifiers namely the KENT Aura and the Alps+ have been rated as the best air purifiers by GADGETS NOW. These models not only have been widely appreciated for the excellent HEPA air purification technology but also for their best CADR and real time Air quality Monitoring
The Bottom Line
Hope the above-mentioned ways can help you celebrate the Festival of Lights in a more meaningful and delightful way without harming the environment. Going green this Diwali will help you avoid air pollution. Talking about green Diwali, you can gift plants like kitchen herbs, Feng Shui plants, bonsai, terrariums that keep your indoor air clean.
Well, this Diwali, I pledge not to burn crackers and opt for green Diwali. What is your plan? Let us know in the comment section below.