Alarming AQI: Air Pollution Rising Amid Diwali Celebrations

With Delhi’s AQI already ‘Poor’ and projected to hit ‘Hazardous’ (301+), here’s what the science says about the PM2.5 spike and how to protect your family.

October 16, 2025: Just ahead of the festival of lights, the air quality in the national capital region has rapidly deteriorated, sparking major health warnings. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi, which was recently recorded at 183 (Unhealthy), is predicted to spike to 301+ (Hazardous) around the Diwali period due to firecracker use and poor atmospheric dispersion.

The immediate drop in air quality, already moving from ‘Moderate’ to ‘Poor’ in many areas, signals the start of the annual pollution crisis, which is intensified by the colder weather trapping pollutants close to the ground.

The Toxic Cocktail: Why Diwali Pollution Is Dangerous

Diwali fireworks release a hazardous mix of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals, and most critically, Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

Scientific data underscores the severity of the spike:

• Acute Health Risks: Short-term exposure to this high pollution can cause immediate issues like increased breathlessness, chest discomfort, poor sleep, and dizziness.
• Long-Term Impact: According to global health guidance from the WHO, both short and long-term exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, heart attacks, and strokes. A landmark study from the Karolinska Institutet linked air pollution exceeding India’s own guidelines to 3.8 million deaths in the country over a decade.

For vulnerable groups—children, infants, and older adults—these brief, sharp spikes in pollution carry substantial and immediate public-health consequences.

Green Crackers and Time Restrictions Mandated

To balance tradition with public health, the Supreme Court has intervened:

• Green Crackers Only: The use of only green crackers—designed to reduce emissions by approximately 30%—is permitted in the Delhi-NCR region.
• Strict Time Limits: Bursting of these approved crackers is permitted for only a few hours between October 18th to 21st during the hours of 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

However, experts caution that while ‘green crackers’ are a less-polluting alternative, they are “less harmful, not safe,” and a potential increase in volume could still offset the minor reduction in emissions. Enforcement and adherence to the time limits remain critical.

Six Essential Tips to Protect Yourself This Diwali

With the AQI expected to turn ‘Hazardous,’ medical experts advise the public to take preventative measures:

1. Strictly Monitor AQI: Use local Air Quality Index reports (especially PM2.5) to plan your day. Minimise or postpone outdoor activities when the AQI climbs above the ‘Poor’ (201+) range.
2. Minimise Outdoor Exposure: Avoid crowded fireworks displays and keep infants, children, and older adults indoors, especially during peak evening hours when fireworks are in use.
3. Use a Certified Mask Outdoors: For unavoidable short trips outside, wear a well-fitting N95/FFP2 respirator. Surgical or cloth masks offer limited protection against fine PM2.5 particles.
4. Reduce Indoor Infiltration: Close doors and windows during peak pollution hours. Run a HEPA-filter air purifier in living and sleeping areas if possible, as this substantially lowers indoor PM2.5 levels. Avoid indoor burning of candles, incense, or mosquito coils on high-pollution days.
5. Manage Chronic Illnesses: Individuals with conditions like Asthma or COPD must strictly follow their medication regimens, keep rescue inhalers handy, and seek immediate medical help for worsening symptoms.
6. Limit Outdoor Strenuous Exercise: Heavy physical exertion increases the volume of pollutants inhaled. Postpone strenuous outdoor workouts until air quality improves.