text: As Diwali or any other festival approaches, several people burst firecrackers as part of the celebration. However, this can have adverse effects on many.
  Noise pollution is a significant environmental concern that often goes unnoticed, yet it poses serious risks to human and animal health. As the use of firecrackers increases, so do the decibel levels, leading to several harmful effects.
  Sumaira Abdulali, an environmentalist and founder of the NGO Awaaz Foundation, highlights the detrimental effects of noise on animals. Stray animals, pets, and wildlife can experience fear and disorientation due to loud sounds, disrupting their natural behaviours and habitats.
  She notes, “The forest department until recently used firecrackers specifically for the purpose of frightening wild elephants who had strayed out of forests into returning. A recent study of hundreds of animals showed that all animals are affected and even caterpillars’ heartbeats speed up with loud noise.”
  “The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme has also pointed out that noise pollution contributes to species loss,” she adds.
  When asked about changes in noise pollution levels during festive season celebrations compared to previous years, Abdulali informs that after extensive testing by Awaaz and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, “The decibel level of the loudest firecrackers has reduced significantly. Nevertheless, they continue to be in a range which is unsafe for humans and noisy crackers are often used simultaneously in large numbers during various celebrations.”
  According to her, India ranks among the noisiest countries globally, with traffic, construction and various celebrations contributing to high noise levels.
  “Firecrackers are the source which has the loudest decibel levels. They are used during various types of celebrations including Diwali, New Year, victory celebrations of cricket matches and political results, birthdays etc. When firecrackers are burst, they elevate the already high noise levels and often cross limits permissible for human health,” she said.
  Health professionals Dr Adip Shetty, ENT Surgeon, Lilavati Hospital and Dr Ravina Shetty, ENT, Zynova Shalby Hospital from Mumbai discuss the range of adverse effects associated with noise pollution. These can include temporary irritability and headaches as well as long-term issues such as anxiety and hearing loss. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk.
  “Extreme headache, anxiety, stress, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), difficulty in sleeping, dramatic mood swings, unable to concentrate, high blood pressure, and hearing loss,” explains Dr Ravina on serious consequences of noise pollution.
  Dr Adip advises those experiencing hearing loss after exposure to loud noises to undergo an audiogram and speech discrimination tests. He also recommends to “use ear plugs or cotton to reduce the sound exposure.”
  According to a report compiled by Repository Living Sciences using data from 18 stations in Mumbai, the Air Quality Index (AQI) on Diwali day reduced by 17.86 per cent in 2023 as compared to 2022 but remained above the safe level.
  While the report shows a positive change, it is important to note that a majority of stations recorded AQI above 60, which presents a dire picture.
  Also read: Diwali 2024: Diwali 2024: Is a ban and other regulations on firecrackers effective in curbing air pollution?