Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus with great fanfare all over the world. But, it is in India that one should be during this festival to experience the joie de vivre of it all.

For many, it is a time of expressing their love and friendship by exchanging gifts and greetings or simply traveling (even across continents) to spend time with their loved ones. To us though, the festival takes on a different light. Setting aside the why and how of the celebrations, we will contend ourselves mainly to its effects.

As sure as Diwali is a festival of gaiety, splendor, fire works, prayers and feasting, it is also one of deafening noise, blinding light, risky fire and suspended particles. And that means direct effects on our health and environment.

Smoking Out Facts

Fire works and crackers - these are the ‘reflectors’ of the spirit of Diwali. To many children (and some adults), the festival is all about how many crackers they burst or what’s the newest, loudest and longest fire -cracker on the shelf! Alas! Little thought is given to the hazards these can cause.

The ‘sparkle, smoke and sound’ package of Diwali treats you to toxic chemicals, suspended particles and high noise levels. Chemicals spewed into the environment range from heavy metals like cadmium and lead to others like copper, manganese, zinc, sodium, magnesium and potassium. The suspended particles hang like a thick blanket reducing visibility and suffocating the atmosphere. Noise levels cross the threshold of human tolerance.

Firecrackers are ‘power packed’ with 75 % potassium nitrate, 15% carbon and 10 % sulphur. When ignited, they burst, allowing these powerful chemicals to come in contact with atmospheric oxygen. The combination generates noxious oxides of carbon, sulphur and nitrogen. Studies have revealed that during Diwali, the levels of these gases rise more than 100%. A Toxic Links study also points out that there exists a threat of exposure to chemicals from unburnt firecrackers too.

When we inhale air so polluted can ill effects be far behind? Irritation of the delicate lining of the airways and eyes, burning sensations in the nostrils, throat and chest congestion, coughing and smarting of the eyes are but few of the lesser serious implications. More serious conditions include aggravation of asthmatic attacks, allergies and chest infections in susceptible people, especially children and the elderly. Doctors report more cases of asthma in the period immediately following Diwali. In fact, pulmonologists say that fire works can provoke childhood bronchial asthma.

Fire is always a looming risk during Diwali. Fire accidents and Diwali go hand in hand. Each year there are many reports of burns and burning. What starts out as an evening of fun can quickly turn into a nightmare due to sheer carelessness and negligence.

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) cause ENT (ear, nose and throat) problems. With all the bursting activity at Diwali, the air is thick with suspended particles. Exposure to 100 ppm of SPM causes headaches and reduces mental agility. Though the effects may not be immediate, they can manifest as serious conditions later on. Especially vulnerable are those with heart, lung or central nervous system diseases.