Firecracker ban can reduce nanoparticle emissions by around 22%: Study

The festival coincides with the onset of winter, when meteorological factors, including low wind speeds and high humidity, cause pollutants to linger in the atmosphere.

The nanoparticle pollutants, which are particularly hazardous for children and older adults, can penetrate through the skin and blood vessels due to their smaller size. The major health impacts of exposure to these are stroke, hypertension, and myocardial infarction, the study noted.

With the announcement of a complete ban on firecrackers in the capital on Monday (October 14) till January 1, the impact assessment of the policy to reduce nanoparticle pollutants becomes crucial.

The strict implementation of the firecracker ban, including restrictions on the sale and online distribution of fireworks, can reduce particle emissions, the study highlighted through its findings.

The study measured particles within the size range of 10 to 1,000 nanometers. These nanoparticles were measured on the DTU premises. The data was collected for 11 days in both years (2021 and 2022) — the first five days pre-Diwali, followed by the date of Diwali, and the next five days post-Diwali.

The inhalable nanoparticle concentration during the 2021 Diwali day was about 9.73 million nanoparticles. On the Diwali day in 2022, it was around 8.12 million nanoparticles. The total inhalable particle exposure on Diwali day decreased by approximately 1.6 million nanoparticles, around an 18% reduction from the previous year.

The 2022 analysis showed that air quality remained relatively stable throughout the pre and post-Diwali periods which the study credited to the strict enforcement of a complete ban on firecrackers in the same year.

The study urged also the need for “more target-based policy implementation” to meet the human health standards for clean air needs. Identifying the potential sources and ensuring the apt policy framework for its reduction can help achieve clean air goals, the study suggested.