Every year after Diwali, the air quality in Delhi and many parts of North India drops to ‘poor’ or even ‘very poor’ levels. The main reasons include the bursting of firecrackers, rising vehicle emissions, stubble burning in neighbouring states, and dust from construction and industries. All of these together cover the cities in a thick layer of smoke and haze.
To reduce the pollution caused by fireworks, green crackers were introduced as a cleaner and safer alternative. But as the festival of lights approaches, one question remains, how safe are these green crackers for your lungs?
What are green crackers?
Green crackers were made to emit fewer pollutants than traditional fireworks. Developed by scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-NEERI), these crackers eliminate or reduce harmful chemicals like barium nitrate, aluminum, and potassium nitrate, which are responsible for releasing toxic smoke.
Instead, they use modified formulations with compounds such as zeolites and iron oxides, and come in smaller charge sizes to produce less visible smoke and particulate matter. According to manufacturers, green crackers reduce particulate emissions by 30–40 per cent compared to regular ones.
However, doctors warn that less pollution doesn’t mean safety. “Green crackers are less polluting, but that doesn’t make them safe,” says Dr. Lalit Mishra, Consultant (Chest Physician), Kailash Hospital, Noida. “Even a 30 per cent reduction still means there’s enough particulate matter and gases to irritate your lungs, especially in people who already have respiratory issues.”
Reduced, but not harmless
While a 30–40 per cent reduction looks promising, the real-world impact is limited. Even a smaller share of a very large baseline can lead to hazardous exposure levels.
“During Diwali, short bursts of fireworks release massive amounts of smoke within a few minutes,” Dr. Mishra explains. “This causes local air pollution to spike sharply, and people nearby are exposed to concentrated clouds of fine particles.”
These fine particles, especially PM2.5 can enter deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and breathing difficulties. Studies have shown that even brief exposure to high levels of PM2.5 can worsen asthma, trigger COPD attacks, and increase hospital visits for respiratory distress. In vulnerable individuals, it can even contribute to heart-related problems.
Green crackers produce more ultrafine particles
Even when total emissions drop, the composition of the remaining smoke can be harmful. Recent research has shown that some green crackers produce more ultrafine particles (UFPs), smaller than 0.1 micrometer, than conventional fireworks.
These ultrafine particles can travel deep into the gas exchange areas of the lungs, pass through the bloodstream, and cause widespread inflammation.
“Ultrafine particles are more dangerous because they can reach the deepest parts of your lungs and even enter your blood,” warns Dr. Mishra. “They’re linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and worsening of both lung and heart conditions.”
So, even if the smoke appears lighter, the invisible toxins may be just as harmful.
Quality control remains a concern
Another issue is authenticity. Independent investigations and market checks in the past few years have revealed that some crackers sold under the “green” label were counterfeit or did not meet CSIR-NEERI standards. Many even contained banned substances like barium, lead, and arsenic.
“If green crackers are not manufactured under strict quality control, the term becomes meaningless,” says Dr. Mishra. “We need transparency in labeling and strong enforcement to ensure people are not being misled.”
This means that the promise of green crackers depends as much on manufacturing oversight as it does on scientific innovation.
What doctors are seeing post-Diwali
Every year, hospitals report a surge in patients with breathing issues after Diwali. Even a few hours of exposure to polluted air can cause coughing, wheezing, and irritation in the eyes and throat.
“We see a sharp increase in asthma, bronchitis, and allergy cases right after Diwali,” says Dr. Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant, Respiratory and Critical Care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. “The air gets filled with fine particles, PM2.5 and PM10, which can easily reach deep into your lungs. For those with asthma or heart disease, it can be dangerous.”
According to Dr. Modi, these pollutants overload the lungs, acting like “fine dust” that blocks airways and weakens immunity. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable because their lungs are more sensitive.
Even the ones who are healthy may experience mild symptoms such as throat burning, coughing, fatigue, or breathlessness during this period.
How to protect your lungs this Diwali
Doctors recommend a few simple steps to protect yourself while still enjoying the festive spirit. Avoid bursting crackers and opt for diyas, candles, or LED lights instead. If you must step outside during or after fireworks, wear an N95 or FFP2 mask, as regular surgical masks don’t filter fine particles effectively, advises Dr. Modi.
It’s also best to stay indoors during peak hours, keep doors and windows closed and use air purifiers if available. Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins from your body, while eating antioxidant-rich foods like turmeric, ginger, and vitamin C–rich fruits can strengthen lung function. Doctors also suggest avoiding outdoor workouts since pollution levels are highest at night and early morning.
For those with asthma or breathing issues, keeping inhalers handy and following prescribed treatment plans is essential. “Prevention is key,” Dr. Modi adds. “A little caution can go a long way in protecting your lungs during Diwali.”
Green label shouldn’t become an excuse to burst crackers
Experts agree that improving air quality during Diwali requires collective effort. “A ‘green’ label shouldn’t become an excuse to burst crackers anywhere,” says Dr. Mishra. “Community-level light shows and responsible celebrations can make a big difference.”
Stricter quality checks, better labelling, and awareness campaigns can ensure only genuine green crackers reach the market. Public participation and responsible behaviour are equally vital.
Green crackers are a technological step forward, but they’re ‘less bad,’ not safe. They may help reduce pollution marginally but don’t eliminate it.
“Diwali should be a festival of light, not smoke,” Dr. Modi explains. “Small steps, avoiding crackers, using air purifiers, and supporting cleaner celebrations, can protect both your health and the environment.”