Quick answer: To protect your family from Diwali pollution, check the daily AQI, keep windows shut when it is “Poor” or worse, run an air purifier with a HEPA filter in the bedroom, wear an N95 mask outdoors, avoid outdoor exercise, keep asthma medicines handy and keep children and older adults away from firecracker smoke.
In north India, Diwali arrives when winter air already traps dust and smoke close to the ground. Firecracker smoke adds a sudden spike, especially at night. Most of the harm comes from fine particles (PM2.5) that reach deep into the lungs.
What do AQI levels mean?
India’s National Air Quality Index groups air into six bands. Check it daily on the SAMEER app or the CPCB website.
| AQI | Category | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–50 | Good | Normal activity |
| 51–100 | Satisfactory | Sensitive people take care |
| 101–200 | Moderate | Limit long outdoor exertion if you have asthma or heart disease |
| 201–300 | Poor | Avoid outdoor exercise; masks outdoors |
| 301–400 | Very poor | Stay indoors as much as possible; run purifiers |
| 401–500 | Severe | Everyone should avoid going out unless necessary |
9 ways to protect your family
1. Check AQI before stepping out
Plan walks, school runs and errands for the time of day when AQI is lowest, which is often the afternoon.
2. Keep windows closed on bad-air days
Open them briefly only when outdoor AQI improves. Seal obvious gaps around doors with a draught stopper.
3. Use an air purifier in the room you sleep in
A purifier with a true HEPA filter works best in a closed room. Match its CADR (clean air delivery rate) to the room size and change filters on time.
4. Wear an N95 or N99 mask outdoors
Cloth and surgical masks do little against fine particles. A well-fitted N95 that seals around the nose and chin is far better.
5. Move exercise indoors
Running or cycling makes you breathe deeper and faster, which pulls in more pollution. Switch to yoga or home workouts for the week.
6. Keep asthma and heart medicines ready
If someone at home has asthma, COPD or heart disease, make sure inhalers and prescribed medicines are stocked and their action plan is clear.
7. Keep kids, elderly people and pets away from cracker smoke
Children breathe faster than adults and are closer to the ground, where smoke settles. Pets are also frightened and stressed by the noise.
8. Protect your eyes
If eyes sting or water, rinse with clean water and avoid rubbing them. Wear glasses around fireworks. See a doctor if pain or redness does not settle.
9. Drink water and eat fresh food
Staying hydrated keeps your airways moist. Fruits and vegetables support overall health, though no food can “detox” polluted air from your body.
When should you see a doctor?
Seek medical help quickly for breathlessness that does not settle, chest pain, wheezing that the usual inhaler doesn’t relieve, bluish lips, or a child who is struggling to breathe. These are emergencies.
Burn first aid: cool a firecracker burn under clean running tap water for about 20 minutes, remove rings or tight items nearby, and cover loosely with cling film or a clean cloth. Don’t apply ice, toothpaste or butter. Get medical care for large, deep or facial burns.
Key takeaways
- Check AQI daily and plan outdoor time around it.
- Indoors: windows shut, HEPA purifier in the bedroom.
- Outdoors: N95 mask, no hard exercise.
- Children, older adults and people with asthma need the most protection.
FAQs
Do green crackers cause pollution?
Green crackers are designed to emit less, but they still produce smoke and particles. Fewer crackers, or none, is the cleanest choice.
Do indoor plants clean Diwali pollution?
Plants make rooms pleasant, but they remove very little PM2.5. They are not a substitute for an air purifier.
Is a surgical mask enough during Diwali?
No. Surgical masks don’t filter fine particles well. Use an N95 or N99 mask that fits properly.
How long does Diwali pollution last?
It usually peaks on Diwali night and the next morning. How fast it clears depends on wind and weather, often a few days in north India.
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Disclaimer: This article is general health information, not medical advice. Consult a doctor for symptoms or if you have a lung or heart condition.
