Doctors warn residents may be inhaling a mix of dust, chemical fumes and smokeNew Delhi: With Delhi already grappling with high pollution levels, Diwali celebrations and their aftermath are likely to add another layer to the health burden as firecracker smoke combines with dust and chemical fumes from cleansing agents released during pre-festival household cleaning.Doctors warn that the impact will extend beyond the festivities, with fine particulate matter and toxic gases potentially aggravating respiratory and eye conditions in the days that follow.The exposure often begins inside homes. Intensive sweeping, dry dusting and shifting stored household items can release dust, mould spores and allergens into the air. When combined with fumes from strong cleaning agents, these can trigger allergic reactions and worsen asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Dr (Maj) Rajesh Bhardwaj, founder of MedFirst ENT Centre, says repeated sneezing, itching, watery nasal discharge and coughing immediately after dust exposure are more likely to indicate an allergy, while fever, body aches and a progressively worsening sore throat may point to an infection. He cautions against unnecessary medication, particularly antibiotics, for allergy-related symptoms.Dr Neetu Jain, senior consultant in pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine at PSRI Hospital, explains that inhaling dust particles along with chemical fumes can damage the airway lining, increase mucus production and trigger inflammation. In vulnerable individuals, this can cause sudden bronchospasm and affect oxygen exchange. Even those without a pre-existing respiratory condition may develop wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness.The concern is likely to persist after Diwali, when firecracker emissions add fine particulate matter and harmful gases to an already polluted atmosphere. Dr Avi Kumar, additional director of pulmonology at Fortis, says the risk is not limited to immediate irritation. Fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, aggravate existing respiratory conditions and, with prolonged exposure, increase the risk of lung cancer and heart disease.“This is a concern for non-smokers too,” he says.Pollution can also affect eye health. Dr Neeraj Sanduja, director of Viaan Eye and Retina Centre, Gurgaon, says dust, smoke and toxic gases can irritate the ocular surface and disrupt the tear film, causing redness, itching, burning, watering and dryness. Children, contact lens users and people with pre-existing dry-eye or allergic conditions may be particularly vulnerable.Dr R S Mishra, principal director and head of internal medicine at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, points out that PM2.5 particles can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation, placing additional stress on the heart and blood vessels. Children, older adults, pregnant women and those with underlying heart or lung conditions require particular caution.Doctors advise checking AQI levels before stepping outdoors, avoiding outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high and wearing a well-fitted N95 mask if going out is unavoidable. At home, they recommend keeping windows closed during severe pollution episodes, using a HEPA air purifier and opting for damp mopping instead of dry sweeping.
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