As the holiday season approaches, the festive spirit is accompanied by an alarming increase in air pollution. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained in the “very poor” category for the sixth consecutive day on November 2 at around 6 a.m. The primary cause of this concerning trend is the widespread use of fireworks and firecrackers during celebrations, which emit hazardous pollutants. These pollutants endanger both human health and the environment. To address these concerns during festive occasions such as Diwali, experts recommend taking proactive measures to navigate this holiday season while ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment.
Here are five essential measures that can significantly aid in combating excessive air pollution during this festive period:
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: Consider minimizing time spent outdoors, especially during peak pollution hours. Staying indoors, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues or sensitivity to pollution, can be immensely beneficial.
- Wear masks: Opt for high-quality masks, such as N95 or N99, when stepping outside, particularly amidst festive activities when pollution levels surge. These masks effectively filter harmful pollutants.
- Reduce the usage of firecrackers: Fireworks, which are popular during festivals, significantly contribute to increased air pollution. To help mitigate this, reduce or eliminate the use of firecrackers, which will help reduce pollution levels.
- Set up air purifiers: Consider investing in home air purifiers. These devices effectively eliminate pollutants from the indoor air, ensuring a cleaner environment for your family.
- Close all doors and windows. Keep your doors and windows closed to prevent polluted air from entering your home. Use air purifiers if available.
Implementing these five proactive measures has the potential to significantly reduce the impact of air pollution during the holiday season, resulting in cleaner and healthier environments for everyone to enjoy the festivities without jeopardizing their health.
