Diwali is one of the most widely observed festivals in India and is celebrated by lighting diyas and lamps, making rangolis, and eating great food, especially sweets. Lighting firecrackers is the highlight of Diwali and people across faiths and communities do this to ring in the festivities. Unfortunately, while the colours and lights are dazzling, it also comes at a huge cost, considering how it affects our health. Firecrackers leave behind toxic particles that are dangerous for everyone, especially those people living with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchitis.

DR. Ravi Shekhar JHA
MBBS, MD, DNB, EDRM
Additional director and Head Department Of Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine
Fortis Escort Hospital, Faridabad (Delhi NCR)