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Diwali

Air Pollution Soars during Diwali Festival in India: COVID-19 Pandemic Context Reveals Public Awareness Success

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Integral University have conducted a study to assess the impact of firecracker burning during Diwali, a major festival in India, on air pollution. The research, published in the Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment, reveals that air pollution levels skyrocketed during the festival, with significant increases in particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentrations.

During the festival, the researchers monitored air quality indexes and found that the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached hazardous levels, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching as high as 538 mg/m3 in some areas. Multivariate analysis showed that firecracker burning was a significant contributor to the increase in air pollution. Notably, the study found that despite the high levels of air pollution, there was a decreasing trend in the AQI compared to previous years, which may be attributed to public awareness and the ongoing pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers assessed the impact of firecracker burning during Diwali on air pollution in Lucknow city, India, from November 2-6, 2021.
  • The study recorded significant increases in PM2.5 concentrations, with values reaching up to 538 mg/m3 in some areas.
  • Multivariate analysis showed that firecracker burning was a significant contributor to the increase in air pollution.
  • The Toluene/Benzene ratio was mostly more than 1, indicating that toluene and benzene may be emitted from other sources as well, including mobile sources.
  • Around 50-75% rise was seen in the number of patients post-Diwali, with 57.1% of reported cases having respiratory issues or allergic reactions.
  • A decreasing trend in the Air Quality Index (AQI) was noticed compared to previous years, which may be attributed to public awareness and the ongoing pandemic.

Statistics:

  • PM2.5 concentrations reached up to 538 mg/m3 in some areas.
  • The increase in PM2.5 concentration reported from Gomtinagar, Central School, Talkatora, and Lalbagh stations was 204, 386, 344, and 341, respectively.
  • The Toluene/Benzene ratio was mostly more than 1.
  • Around 50-75% rise was seen in the number of patients post-Diwali.
  • 57.1% of reported cases had respiratory issues or allergic reactions.

Sources:

  • "Air Pollution Trend and Variation during a Mega Festival of Firecrackers (Diwali) in Context to COVID-19 Pandemic." Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment, 2022, 16(3): 1-20.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.5572/ajae.2022.016
  • Publisher: Asian Association for Atmospheric Environment
  • Free version available at: https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.5572/ajae.2022.016

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