It’s also important to continue raising awareness about the hidden dangers of air pollution, reducing its long-term impact on our health, and ensuring a safer, healthier future for all.
VERIFIED By: Dr Deepak Parashar, Health Expert at Healthians
Written by Tavishi Dogra |Updated : November 1, 2024 9:54 AM IST
Particulate matter, along with NO and SO due to Diwali, always increases, observed during the late night hours, peaking between 7 PM – 1 AM. This is when fireworks are used almost everywhere, emitting high levels of pollutants in the air that cause severe disruption to our respiratory system.
Immediate Vs Long-Term Health Effects
People with conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) become especially sensitive to increased symptoms during this time. The extreme pollution levels can harm the health of children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Yet, the reality is that even healthy people are at risk of long-term diseases:
- Lung Cancer: Long-term exposure to polluted air has also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. While smoking is the primary cause, the carcinogenic substances present in polluted air can be just as harmful, especially over the years.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Long-term exposure to polluted air, especially during high-pollution periods such as Diwali, can increase the risk of COPD, even in previously healthy individuals.
- Cardiovascular Problems: Airborne particles can affect more than just the lungs. Studies indicate that air pollution is linked to attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems.
Prevention: What Can You Do?
While it’s nearly impossible to altogether avoid air pollution during and after Diwali, there are several steps to protect your health:
- Practice Breathing Exercises: Simple breathing exercises, like Anulom Vilom, help strengthen the lungs and improve respiratory function. This benefits individuals with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions.
- Monitor Air Quality: Respond to air quality index (AQI) updates during the festive season. If the AQI is high, staying indoors as much as possible is best.
- Use Air Purifiers: Investing in a good air purifier can make a big difference, especially if you have young children or elderly members at home.
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: If you must go out, use an N95 mask to filter out harmful particles.
- Hydration and Nutrition can boost your immune system to combat the effects of pollution.
The Road Ahead
While individual actions can help mitigate the immediate effects of pollution, addressing the long-term health risks requires larger systemic changes. Reducing the use of firecrackers and embracing eco-friendly Diwali celebrations are crucial steps we must take as a society. Government initiatives to curb pollution, particularly around festive seasons, are essential to protect public health in the long run. It’s also important to continue raising awareness about the hidden dangers of air pollution, reducing its long-term impact on our health, and ensuring a safer, healthier future for all.
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