Estimates of air pollution in Delhi from the burning of firecrackers during the festival of Diwali

Effects of stubble burning and firecrackers on the air quality of Delhi

Every year at the onset of winter season (October-November), crop residue/parali/stubble burning starts in Punjab and Haryana, leading to heavy air pollution in Delhi, and adversely affecting human and environmental health. During this time, the combination of unfavourable meteorological conditions, additional emissions from stubble burning, and firework activities in this area causes the air quality to further deteriorate. In this study, we have attempted to understand the influence of parali and firecracker incidents on air pollutants' variability over Delhi during the last three years (2020 to 2022). For this purpose, daily average particulate matter and gaseous pollutants data were fetched from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and daily total fire counts and fire radiative power (FRP) data were retrieved from NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS). A bigger area of severe burning is suggested by higher FRP values and higher fire counts in the middle of November in all the years considered. Three years satellite-based FIRMS data over Punjab and Haryana show the highest number of active fire counts in 2021 (n = 80,505) followed by 2020 (n = 75,428), and 2022 (n = 49,194). More than 90% parali burning incidents were observed in Punjab state only despite the considerable variability in numbers among the years. The significant effect of parali burning was seen on pollutant concentration variability. As the number of fire count increases or decreases in Punjab and Haryana, there is a corresponding increase or decrease in the particulate matter concentration with a time lag of few days (1 to 2 days). The trend in backward air mass trajectories suggests that the variable response time of pollutants' concentration is due to local and distant sources with different air mass speeds. Our estimates suggest that stubble burning contributes 50-75% increment in PM2.5 and 40 to 45% increase in PM10 concentration between October and November. A good positive correlation between PM2.5, PM10, NOX, and CO and fire counts (up to 0.8) suggests a strong influence of stubble burning on air quality over Delhi. Furthermore, the firecracker activities significantly increase the concentration of particulate matter with ~100% increment in PM2.5 and ~55% increment in PM10 mass concentrations for a relatively shorter period (1 to 2 days).

Assessment of the effect of the judicial prohibition on firecracker celebration at the Diwali festival on air quality in Delhi, India

Diwali (the festival of lights and crackers) is celebrated grandly, resulting in a significant drop in the city's air quality. To study the impact of the judicial prohibition in Delhi to improve air quality, a comprehensive and comparative analysis was conducted over two consecutive years, namely 2015-2016 (when no significant regulations on the sale or usage of firecrackers were imposed) and 2017-2018 (when radically different regulations were implemented). Data on PM₁₀, PM_2.5, NO_x, and CO were analysed, and their trends and levels with various regulations in place were compared. In 2017, the concentrations of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, NO_x, and CO were reduced by 50%, 50%, 71%, and 64%, respectively, compared to 2016. However, in 2018, there was an increase of 32% in PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations, as well as a 25% increase in CO concentrations, with the exception of NOx, which decreased to 25% on Diwali day. The data was also examined in conjunction with the entire timeline of the various court rulings and regulations imposed in Delhi. The questionnaire survey study revealed that, despite the legislation in place, ambient air quality continued to deteriorate, necessitating a deeper dive into the policy's structure and implementation to fine-tune its feasibility and applications. Air pollution-related health effects were recognized by 82% of participants. Despite this, only 13% of people were observed without a mask, and only 12% of people were aware of green crackers as of 2018. To combat this deteriorating situation, the national capital must enact radical and well-thought-out legislation and regulations governing firecrackers, as well as raise public awareness amongst its citizens.

Spatio-Temporal Monitoring of Atmospheric Pollutants Using Earth Observation Sentinel 5P TROPOMI Data: Impact of Stubble Burning a Case Study

The problems of atmospheric pollutants are causing significant concern across the globe and in India. The aggravated level of atmospheric pollutants in the surrounding environment poses serious threats to normal living conditions by deteriorating air quality and causing adverse health impacts. Pollutant concentration increases during harvesting seasons of Kharif/Rabi due to stubble burning and is aggravated by other points or mobile sources. The present study is intended to monitor the spatio-temporal variation of the major atmospheric pollutants using Sentinel-5P TROPOMI data through cloud computing. Land Use/Land Cover (LULC-categorization or classification of human activities and natural coverage on the landscape) was utilised to extract the agricultural area in the study site. It involves the cloud computing of MOD64A1 (MODIS Burned monthly gridded data) and Sentinel-5P TROPOMI (S5P Tropomi) data for major atmospheric pollutants, such as CH4, NO2, SOX, CO, aerosol, and HCHO. The burned area output provided information regarding the stubble burning period, which has seen post-harvesting agricultural residue burning after Kharif crop harvesting (i.e., rice from April to June) and Rabi crop harvesting (i.e., wheat from September to November). The long duration of stubble burning is due to variation in farmers’ harvesting and burning stubble/biomass remains in the field for successive crops. This period was used as criteria for considering the cloud computing of the Sentinel-5P TROPOMI data for atmospheric pollutants concentration in the study site. The results showed a significant increase in CH4, SO2, SOX, CO, and aerosol concentration during the AMJ months (stubble burning of Rabi crops) and OND months (stubble burning of Kharif crops) of each year. The results are validated with the ground control station data for PM2.5/PM10. and patterns of precipitation and temperature-gridded datasets. The trajectory frequency for air mass movement using the HYSPLIT model showed that the highest frequency and concentration were observed during OND months, followed by the AMJ months of each year (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021). This study supports the role and robustness of Earth observation Sentinel-5P TROPOMI to monitor and evaluate air quality and pollutants distribution.

Potential areas of crop residue burning contributing to hazardous air pollution in Delhi during the post-monsoon season

Severe daily ambient particulate matter concentrations <2.5 μm (PM_2.5 ) (>400 μg m^-3 ) have been recorded in Delhi, India, for about 50 d in the post-monsoon season (October-November) from 2016 to 2019. Monthly average ambient PM_2.5 concentrations during the period followed the order: September (63.0 ± 3.6 μg m^-3 ) <listp October (145.8 ± 7.3 μg m^-3 ) < November (233.0 ± 11.5 μg m^-3 ). Crop residue burning has been reported as one of the major sources of ambient PM_2.5 in Delhi during the period. This study analyzed the effect of meteorological parameters and crop residue burning on the ambient PM_2.5 concentration in Delhi during the period using the dataset from one of the official monitoring stations, the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory air parcel back trajectory model, and a satellite-based active fire dataset for the years 2016-2019. The study suggests that crop residue burning events at Sangrur, Mansa, Bhatinda, Patiala, Ludhiana, Barnala, and Patiala (0.5° by 0.5° grid size) districts contribute to the severe PM_2.5 concentration in Delhi during November. A significant negative relationship of daily PM_2.5 concentrations with meteorological parameters (wind speed: r²  = -.36, p < .05; planetary boundary layer height: r² = -.45, p < .05) and a positive relationship with the crop residue burning event (r²  = .46, p < .05) that occurred 3 d earlier were recorded. This study can help policymakers undertake location-specific actions based on meteorological forecasts to reduce the cost and improve the effectiveness of policy actions to reduce the effect of crop residue burning on the ambient PM_2.5 concentration in Delhi during the post-monsoon season.

Long term influence of groundwater preservation policy on stubble burning and air pollution over North-West India

Stubble burning (SB) has been a major source of seasonal aerosol loading and pollution over northern India. The aftereffects of groundwater preservation act i.e., post 2010 era (2011-2020) has seen delay in crop harvesting thereby shifting the peak SB to May (Wheat SB) and to November (Paddy SB) by 8-10 and 10-12 days compared to pre-2010. Groundwater storage depletion rate of 29.2 mm yr^-1 was observed over the region. Post 2010 era shows an increase of 1.4% in wheat SB and 21% in Paddy SB fires over Punjab and Haryana with 70% of PM_2.5 air mass clusters (high probability > 0.8) advecting to the downwind regions leading to 23-26% increase in PM_2.5 and 4-6% in aerosol loading over National Capital Region (NCR). Although the objective of water conservation policy was supposed to preserve the groundwater by delaying the paddy transplantation and sowing, on the contrary the implementation of this policy has seen groundwater storage after 2013 depleting at a rate of 29.2 mmyr^-1 over these regions. Post policy implementation has led to shift and shrinking of harvest window with increased occurrences in SB fires which also increase associated particulate matter pollution over North India.

Challenges in the Management of Childhood Asthma in the Developing World

Childhood asthma poses significant health and psychological burden on children and parents alike. Care of children with asthma requires a firm partnership and understanding between parents and physicians with regular medications and outpatient visits. Though asthma is less common in the developing world, it is more commonly associated here with severe symptoms. Environmental and economic factors, and lack of education adversely affect efficient care of children with asthma. Poor education and understanding of disease, inadequate trained pediatricians, and lack of resources for pulmonary function testing in children hamper early diagnosis of asthma in children. Hence, children frequently receive symptomatic management for acute episodes instead of long-term preventive therapy. Misconceptions regarding side effects and possible dependence on inhaled medications are frequently seen in the caretakers. This leads to abundant use of alternative medicines. Increasing ambient air pollution due to rapid urbanization and industrial growth in developing countries also adversely affects the pulmonary health of children with asthma. Community-wide campaigns are needed to improve the awareness of parents about childhood asthma and safety of inhaled medications. States should make efforts to improve infrastructure needs of children with asthma.

Forgotten but not gone: Particulate matter as contaminations of mucosal systems

A decade ago, environmental issues, such as air pollution and the contamination of the oceans with microplastic, were prominently communicated in the media. However, these days, political topics, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have clearly taken over. In spite of this shift in focus regarding media representation, researchers have made progress in evaluating the possible health risks associated with particulate contaminations present in water and air. In this review article, we summarize recent efforts that establish a clear link between the increasing occurrence of certain pathological conditions and the exposure of humans (or animals) to airborne or waterborne particulate matter. First, we give an overview of the physiological functions mucus has to fulfill in humans and animals, and we discuss different sources of particulate matter. We then highlight parameters that govern particle toxicity and summarize our current knowledge of how an exposure to particulate matter can be related to dysfunctions of mucosal systems. Last, we outline how biophysical tools and methods can help researchers to obtain a better understanding of how particulate matter may affect human health. As we discuss here, recent research has made it quite clear that the structure and functions of those mucosal systems are sensitive toward particulate contaminations. Yet, our mechanistic understanding of how (and which) nano- and microparticles can compromise human health via interacting with mucosal barriers is far from complete.

COVID-19 lockdowns and demographically-relevant Google Trends: A cross-national analysis

The spread of COVID-19 and resulting local and national lockdowns have a host of potential consequences for demographic trends. While impacts on mortality and, to some extent, short-term migration flows are beginning to be documented, it is too early to measure actual consequences for family demography. To gain insight into potential future consequences of the lockdown for family demography, we use cross-national Google Trends search data to explore whether trends in searches for words related to fertility, relationship formation, and relationship dissolution changed following lockdowns compared to average, pre-lockdown levels in Europe and the United States. Because lockdowns were not widely anticipated or simultaneous in timing or intensity, we exploit variability over time and between countries (and U.S. states). We use a panel event-study design and difference-in-differences methods, and account for seasonal trends and average country-level (or state-level) differences in searches. We find statistically significant impacts of lockdown timing on changes in searches for terms such as wedding and those related to condom use, emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, and abortion, but little evidence of changes in searches related to fertility. Impacts for union formation and dissolution tended to only be statistically significant at the start of a lockdown with a return to average-levels about 2 to 3 months after lockdown initiation, particularly in Europe. Compared to Europe, returns to average search levels were less evident for the U.S., even 2 to 3 months after lockdowns were introduced. This may be due to the fact, in the U.S., health and social policy responses were less demarcated than in Europe, such that economic uncertainty was likely of larger magnitude. Such pandemic-related economic uncertainty may therefore have the potential to slightly increase already existing polarization in family formation behaviours in the U.S. Alongside contributing to the wider literature on economic uncertainty and family behaviors, this paper also proposes strategies for efficient use of Google Trends data, such as making relative comparisons and testing sensitivity to outliers, and provides a template and cautions for their use in demographic research when actual demographic trends data are not yet available.

Assessment of trace metal concentration in the ambient air of the Prayagraj City during Diwali festival-a case study

The study evaluated the particulate matter trend and trace element concentrations, during the Diwali week for two consecutive years, November 2018 and October 2019. Diwali celebrations worsen the city's air quality from poor to a severe category of air quality index (AQI). A peak rise in PM₁₀ concentration was found on Diwali day, 1.8 times more than a normal day of the same period. The concentration was 5.6-fold more than the permissible limit prescribed by National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), India, and 11.26-fold higher than the permissible limit of World Health Organization (WHO). The more firework bursting in the year 2019 results in the rise of PM₁₀ concentration by 132% compared with the previous year. Lead (Pb), a carcinogen, was found in higher levels, in Diwali samples of year 2019. The average metal concentration on Diwali day was found in the following order: Pb (396.17) > Cu (70.34) > Mn (66.34) > Cr (29.66) > Ni (4.96) in year 2019 while Ni (195.20) > Pb (149.45) > Mn (64.85) > Cu (13.44) in year 2018. A significant positive correlation between Cr and Pb, Cu and Pb, Cr and Cu, and with PM₁₀ have been observed, indicating their emission from a common source and the contribution of firecrackers to particulate pollution. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified the contribution of the bursting of firecrackers and vehicular emissions towards PM₁₀ pollution in the year 2019 and vehicular emissions and dust resuspension in the year 2018 over the megacity Prayagraj.

Vaccine Hesitancy as a Challenge or Vaccine Confidence as an Opportunity for Childhood Immunisation in India

Vaccines have contributed substantially to decreasing the morbidity and mortality rates of many infectious diseases worldwide. Despite this achievement, an increasing number of parents have adopted hesitant behaviours towards vaccines, delaying or even refusing their administration to children. This has implications not only on individuals but also society in the form of outbreaks for e.g. measles, chicken pox, hepatitis A, etc. A review of the literature was conducted to identify the determinants of vaccine hesitancy (VH) as well as vaccine confidence and link them to challenges and opportunities associated with vaccination in India, safety concerns, doubts about the need for vaccines against uncommon diseases and suspicions towards new vaccines were identified as major vaccine-specific factors of VH. Lack of awareness and limited access to vaccination sites were often reported by hesitant parents. Lastly, socio-economic level, educational level and cultural specificities were contextual factors of VH in India. Controversies and rumours around some vaccines (e.g., human papillomavirus) have profoundly impacted the perception of the risks and benefits of vaccination. Challenges posed by traditions and cultural behaviours, geographical specificities, socio-demographic disparities, the healthcare system and vaccine-specific features are highlighted, and opportunities to improve confidence are identified. To overcome VH and promote vaccination, emphasis should be on improving communication, educating the new generation and creating awareness among the society. Tailoring immunisation programmes as per the needs of specific geographical areas or communities is also important to improve vaccine confidence. Fig. 1 Plain language summary.

Personal exposures to particulate matter <2.5 μm in mass median aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) pollution during the burning of six most commonly used firecrackers in India

Introduction:

Diwali or the festival of lights is the most popular festival celebrated in India when firecrackers are burnt by almost every household for 3 days. Levels of ambient air pollution are reported to be very high during the Diwali festival in India. In this study, we aimed to measure and compare the personal exposure levels to particulate matter <2.5 μm in mass median aerodynamic diameter (PM_2.5) during burning of six of the most commonly used firecracker types in India.

Methods:

Sparklers, ground spinners, flower pots, pulpuls, a garland of 1000 sounding crackers, and snake tablets were burnt outdoors in an open area during the late evening hours. Minute by minute PM_2.5 levels were measured at a distance and height from where they are normally burnt using Thermo pDR 1200, USA, and a set of five such experiments were conducted to examine the variability between the firecrackers.

Results:

When measured at a distance and height from where they are normally burnt, the burning of snake tablets produced the highest peak level of PM_2.5 (64,500 mcg/m³), followed by a garland of 1000 sounding crackers (38,540 mcg/m³), pulpuls (28,950 mcg/m³), sparklers (10,390 mcg/m³), ground spinners (9490 mcg/m³) and flower pots (4860 mcg/m³).

Conclusion:

Burning of firecrackers produce extremely high levels of personal exposure to PM_2.5 levels that are likely to have significant short-term and long-term adverse health effects. The initiative taken by the Supreme Court of India in 2017 to ban the sale of firecrackers seems to be a step in the right direction to reduce the adverse health impacts in the community.