Diwali air pollution: Pulmonologist shares tips on how to take care of your lungs from firecracker smoke

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Diwali, the Festival of Lights, lights up cities across India with dazzling fireworks and joyous celebrations. But the festivities often leave behind more than just memories — a thick, hazardous layer of smog blankets the skyline, making the air dangerously polluted. Studies show that during and after Diwali, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in many cities often enters the ‘severe’ category, primarily due to the bursting of firecrackers.

This year, Delhi woke up on Tuesday to a choking haze following a night of celebrations. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed the city’s AQI had soared past 450 in areas such as Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, and RK Puram, plunging into the ‘severe’ bracket. Visibility was sharply reduced, and PM2.5 levels — fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs — spiked dangerously, highlighting the health risks of festive pollution.

It's because firecrackers spew a complex, toxic cocktail of noxious vapours and particles — sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and tiny metallic contaminants (known as particle pollution or PM2. 5 and PM10 ) — that hang in the air for days. These tiny particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing allergies, asthma and other respiratory diseases. Children, the elderly and people with pre-existing lung or heart conditions are especially at risk.

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Doctors have repeatedly promoted the need to celebrate responsibly—by choosing eco-friendly crackers or dropping them altogether. Knowing how to protect your lung health as air pollution spikes is becoming increasingly important to have a safe and happy Diwali.

Pulmonologist Dr Radhika Sharma, senior consultant at Vinayak Health Delhi told Moneycontrol that “post-Diwali smog can stay for a week and make lung function decreased and makes chronic respiratory diseases worse.” All people, particularly those with asthma or COPD, should avoid the outdoors when pollution is worst — usually in the morning hours and around dusk, she said.

Here are some practical things you can do to protect your lungs

Stay Indoors When Pollution Spikes:

Limit outdoor activities when air quality is low. If you have to go outside, wear a mask with N95 rating: it will filter out harmful particles.

Use Air Purifiers at Home:

A HEPA-filter air purifier will significantly cut down on indoor pollution, guarding your lungs from sustained exposure.

Drink Enough Water & Consume Antioxidant Packed Foods:

Water to hydrate, and flush out toxins. Vitamin C rich foods like oranges and amla boosts your body’s natural immunity to stress due to pollution.

Do Not Burn Waste or Diyas With Kerosene:

Use only clean-burning oils such as mustard or ghee in diyas, and don’t burn paper or leaves that disperse pollutants into the air.

Also read: Asthma vs. COPD: Why early differentiation matters, according to pulmonologist

Support Green Celebrations:

Opt for “green crackers” and those that are chemically-tested to be low-emission: Always check for the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) certification. They generate 30% fewer emissions and are friendlier to the environment.

The spark of Diwali is irreplaceable, but small shifts in how we celebrate can have immense impact. Minimising firecracker activity, wearing protective masks and therefore reorienting towards sustainable festive traditions will ensure that the festival continues to be a time of merry — and not breathlessness.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.