JALANDHAR: The post-Diwali air quality situation in Jalandhar has raised health concerns after the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 198 on Monday morning, according to data displayed by IQAir. The reading falls in the ‘Unhealthy’ category under the US AQI scale, indicating that air pollution could pose health risks, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory or heart-related conditions.
According to the IQAir reading recorded at 4:30 AM on November 9, Jalandhar’s AQI stood at 198, while PM2.5 was recorded at 122.5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³). PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, where they can trigger inflammation and contribute to respiratory and other health problems.
Jalandhar’s Air Pollution Compared to Nearly 6 Cigarettes a Day
The PM2.5 concentration also brings attention to a widely cited comparison by Berkeley Earth, which estimates that sustained exposure to approximately 22 µg/m³ of PM2.5 over 24 hours corresponds to the particulate pollution exposure associated with smoking one cigarette.
Applying this indicative calculation to Jalandhar’s recorded concentration of 122.5 µg/m³ gives an estimate of approximately 5.6 cigarettes, or nearly six cigarettes a day, if the concentration remains at that level for 24 hours.
This is a simplified health-impact comparison intended to help people understand the potential burden of air pollution. It does not mean that breathing polluted air is medically identical to smoking six cigarettes. Actual exposure depends on the duration spent in polluted surroundings, breathing rate and individual health conditions.
Hourly AQI Forecast Shows Gradual Improvement
The hourly forecast displayed by IQAir indicated a gradual decline in Jalandhar’s AQI during Monday morning. The projected readings were:
Time
Forecast AQI
4:30 AM
198
7:00 AM
189
8:00 AM
184
9:00 AM
180
10:00 AM
176
11:00 AM
172
These figures represent forecast values displayed by IQAir and should not be interpreted as confirmed measurements at each hour. The projected decline suggested some improvement in air quality as the day progressed, although pollution remained a concern.
How PM2.5 Pollution Affects the Human Body
Fine particulate pollution is particularly concerning because PM2.5 particles can travel deep into the respiratory system. Once inhaled, they can irritate the airways and contribute to inflammation in the lungs.
Short-term exposure can cause coughing, throat irritation, eye irritation, wheezing and breathing discomfort. People with asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may experience worsening symptoms.
The health effects are not limited to the respiratory system. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. Fine particles can contribute to inflammation and affect the functioning of blood vessels.
Children, Elderly and Heart Patients at Greater Risk
Children, senior citizens, pregnant women and people with pre-existing medical conditions are among the groups that need greater protection during periods of elevated air pollution.
Children’s lungs are still developing, making them particularly vulnerable to repeated exposure to polluted air. Elderly people and those suffering from asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure or other chronic respiratory conditions may experience worsening symptoms.
Even healthy individuals can experience discomfort when exposed to high concentrations of fine particulate matter for prolonged periods, especially during outdoor physical activity.
Precautions Residents Should Take
Residents are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure while pollution levels remain elevated. Morning walks, jogging and strenuous outdoor exercise should be avoided when air quality is poor.
People who need to go outside can use a properly fitted N95 mask to reduce exposure to fine particles. Keeping windows closed during periods of heavy outdoor pollution and using HEPA air purifiers indoors may also help reduce particulate exposure.
People with asthma or existing heart and lung conditions should follow their prescribed treatment plans and seek medical attention if they experience persistent breathing difficulties, chest pain or other serious symptoms.
Firecracker Bursting Continued Until 4 AM
The pollution situation has also brought attention to the duration of Diwali celebrations in the city. Despite the festival being celebrated on Sunday, November 8, the bursting of firecrackers continued in several parts of Jalandhar until approximately 4 AM on Monday, November 9, according to local observations. The prolonged late-night activity added to the smoke and particulate pollution in the atmosphere. While firecrackers are an important part of celebrations for many people, their emissions contribute to poor air quality and increase exposure to harmful fine particles. The IQAir reading of 198 at 4:30 AM highlights the pollution burden recorded shortly after the celebrations continued into the early morning hours.
