THE use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations has long been a concern in many urban areas, including Mumbai, due to their significant impact on air quality. “Each year, the bursting of firecrackers results in a spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI), leading to harmful pollution levels that can have serious health repercussions, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those who were affected by COVID-19 or other respiratory diseases”, said Dr Subhash Hira, professor of global health at the University of Washington, US, and member of WHO expert committees on pandemic preparedness-Geneva.

Impact on air quality

Firecrackers release a large amount of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) into the atmosphere, which can remain suspended and contribute to thick air pollution. In addition to particulate matter, firecrackers emit various harmful chemicals, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and heavy metals, further deteriorating air quality.