Diwali Fireworks: A Cloud of Trouble Over Agartala

The Problem

Agartala, in Northeast India, faced a serious air quality issue during Diwali. The problem was studied over three years, from 2018 to 2020. Researchers checked the air for five days around Diwali. They started two days before, looked at the day of Diwali, and then two days after.

The Findings

• Particulate Matter: Tiny harmful particles shot up by 17% to 159%.
• Other Gases: Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide levels fluctuated. Some decreased, while others increased by 86% and 96% respectively.

Weather's Role

• Stagnant Air: Slow wind and stagnant air trapped pollution.
• Peak Day in 2020: Tiny particles were 4 to 18 times higher than WHO's safe limit.

Fireworks' Impact

• Elements Found: Fourteen different elements were detected.
• Top Contaminants: Silver, lead, and chromium levels surged, all linked to fireworks.

Health Risks

• Non-Cancer Health Risks: Exceeded safe limits.
• Cancer Risk: Elevated due to chromium and lead exposure.

Air Quality Rating

• Before Diwali: "Satisfactory"
• After Diwali: "Moderate"
• Main Culprit: Tiny particles.