Bad weather 'exacerbating Diwali air pollution in India'

Dropping temperatures and rising smog in India has prolonged the polluting effect of Diwali, with experts warning that the air quality remains bad in Mumbai.

It is known that the firecrackers traditionally let of during the religious festival have a harmful impact on air pollution, but this year the effect has apparently been worse than usual.

Figures from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board showed that nitrogen oxide (NOx) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) levels rose during Diwali, and have not yet dropped back down again.

Readings at Sion on November 13th - the day of the festival - revealed that NOx levels sat at 205 micrograms per cubic metre. On November 21st, they were still high, at 193 units. This is in comparison to the normal NOx limit of 80 micrograms per cubic metre. 

In addition, the SPM levels recorded at Bandra on Diwali were 280 micrograms per cubic metre, and these had only dropped to 80 micrograms per cubic meter by November 21st. The normal limit for SPM in the air is 100 micrograms per cubic metre.

Experts believe the pollutants that were launched into the air on Diwali have been trapped due to a high level of smog in the atmosphere.

Rakesh Kumar, regional director of the National Environment Engineering Research Institute, said: "Post-Diwali, the pollution levels are always high."

"This year it is so also because the temperatures are low and there has hardly been any sea breeze."

However, Mr Kumar said that once strong winds come into force, the pollution will begin to reduce.

Doctors have warned that air pollution can cause irritation in the respiratory tract and worsen chronic illnesses.

Dr Ashok Mahasur, of the Hinduja Hospital, told the Times of India: "Asthmatics and those suffering from bronchitis are finding problems exacerbated. Also, chronic patients are complaining of aggravation of allergies."