With the onset of Diwali, air quality in the capital is set to deteriorate over the next two days, with the Met department terming the condition as “severe”. According to System of Air quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), pollution levels will be high in areas around Delhi University’s North Campus and Rajendra Nagar, Mathura Road and Noida while it will be low in Aya Nagar and Palam (Terminal 3 area). The pollution levels are expected to be 4-5 times higher than the normal level. The highest level of pollution will be observed on October 24, Friday, while the situation is expected to improve on October 27. On October 24, the overall level of PM2.5 (particle matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers) would be 300 microgram per cubic meter (mpcm) while the level of PM10 is predicted to be around 440 mpcm. The normal level of PM 2.5 in the atmosphere should be 60 mpcm for PM 2.5 and 100 mpcm for PM 10. “The impact of Diwali firecrackers are predicted to be minimal as compared to past 2 years. This peak Diwali day value of PM 2.5 is roughly 50 per cent and 30 per cent lower as compared to 2012 and 2013,” said Gufran Beig, a senior scientist at SAFAR. “Still, Delhiites are going to breathe very poor to severe air at least for 2 days, mainly on October 24,” he said. At present, Delhi air quality is hovering between moderate to poor range. The relatively higher temperature helps in keeping the inversion layer high, he said, adding that this forecast is made with an assumption that amount of fire cracker burned during Diwali this year will be same as last year. ‘Source: The Asian Age, Students endorse no sound, light only Diwali: Take to street plays, flash mobs to encourage cracker-free festival Students of the Rotaract Club of NM College at Vile Parle concluded their unique Diwali campaign on October 21 wherein they held street plays, flash mobs and poster competitions to sensitise people to celebrate the festival in a responsible manner without effecting the environment. The campaign titled Diwali Wahi, Soch Nayi exhorted people to do away with crackers and make use of lamps and lights. Darshan Pawani, Sergeant-at-Arms of the Rotaract Club, said that the campaign had been launched on October 7 and students had tried to reach out to a large number of Mumbaikars through posters, street plays and even a flash mob in the fortnight long campaign. “Due to the irresponsible behaviour of some revelers, many are affected,” said Pawani pointing to the fact that the loud crackers created health problems for the sick and ailing as well as disturbed the elderly and also agonised pets. “The crackers also contribute to air pollution and one can see the smoke hanging over the city days after the festival ends. We have to safeguard the future of the world and ensure that the environment remains intact for future generations,” said Pawani. The members visited public places like railway stations, malls and bus stops and wherever possible did street plays highlighting the need to say no to crackers. However at places where it was not possible for street plays, students simply stood with placards asking Mumbaikars to say no to bursting crackers Source: The Asian Age, Delhi's Doctors say, "Diwali Crackers = Lung Cancer": A large number of 
doctors in Delhi this year are appealing for a cracker-free Diwali. Advocating ‘No Diwali crackers, no lung cancer’ for the city this festival season, Dr. Niranjan Naik, senior Oncologist (surgeon) from Dharamshila Hospital said: “Firecrackers form a major part of our Diwali celebrations. These firecrackers are not only harming the environment, but also lead to serious health problems. The crackers emit the worst kind of gases and increase air pollution by 30 per cent. The toxic air is not only dangerous for those suffering from pulmonary diseases, but it also causes breathing problems in others.’’ Stating that crackers contain elements like copper, cadmium, sulphur, aluminium and barium, the physician explained that on bursting,
crackers emit toxic chemicals and gases that remain suspended for a long time. “Breathing such toxic and fine particles in the firecracker smog can cause serious health problems such as risk of lung inflammation, asthma attacks and like symptoms. Exposure to the smoke and smog aggravates symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Staying in Delhi NCR itself is a risk factor equivalent to smoking two cigarettes per day even if you are a non-smoker. It is strongly recommended that children, the elderly and people with lung or heart disease who are especially sensitive should stay indoors and close the windows to avoid breathing the smoke,’’ added Dr. Naik. Source: Article, Harmful effects of firecrackers during Diwali: Bad Health Effects : Sound effects : Normal decibel level forthe humans is 60 dB. An increase by 10 decibels means double noise volume and intensity. High decibel level results in restlessness, anger, fidgetiness, impulsive behaviour and over-reaction to situations. Most crackers used have more than 80 dB noise that can cause temporary hearing loss. Noise pollution can cause hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart attack and sleep disturbances.
Environmental pollution effects : - The level of suspended particles in the air increases alarmingly during Diwali, causing eye, throat and nose problems.
- Suspended particulate matter exposure to the level of 100 ppm results in headache and reduced mental acuity. The effects are more pronounced in people with heart, lung or central nervous system diseases.
- Sulphur dioxide is readily soluble and dissolves in the larger airways of the respiratory system. At higher concentrations severe contraction restricts the breathing process.
- Nitrogen dioxide is less soluble and so penetrates to the smaller airways and into the lungs, thereby reducing the intake of oxygen for the body. These cause respiratory allergies like asthma especially to the susceptible population. It causes throat and chest congestion, and are likely to aggravate problems for those already suffering from coughs, colds and allergies.
- Allergic bronchitis, acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, ephysema, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases), allergic rhinitis, larynigitis, sinusitis, pneumonia and common cold increase during this time. Firework is one of the provoking factors for childhood bronchial asthma.
Diwali which has now turned almost to a festival of firing crackers leads to many people getting, many people lose their eyes, some become deaf, animals like dogs and cows don't get place to hide and protect themselves. But still this process is going on. Even a small country like Nepal has banned the use of firecrackers. But, can't we? A combination of will and public support to limit health and environmental hazards and at the same time maintain memorable traditions, is needed to restore Deepawali to its pristine flavour. Source: Article
