Rising pollution prompts caution despite SC green firecracker nod

Air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR have turned into the ‘very poor’ category, raising serious public health concerns even before the Diwali festivities

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Even as Supreme Court has allowed the limited use of "green’ firecrackers, with Delhi's pollution levels beginning to rise ahead of the festival season, medical experts are calling for awareness and caution.

"Every year, after Diwali, hospitals see a surge in patients struggling to breathe," they warn.

Firecrackers release toxic gases and ultra-fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs, triggering asthma attacks, bronchitis, pneumonia and other serious respiratory issues even in healthy individuals, said Dr Vikas Maurya, Senior Director and Head of Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Unit at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.