Each year, the days following Diwali bring a familiar haze across many Indian cities. In Delhi and other parts of North India, the Air Quality Index (AQI) often touches the “severe” mark as the smoke from firecrackers, vehicle emissions, and stagnant winter air combine to form a toxic mix. While most people stay indoors, assuming they’re safe, fine particulate matter easily seeps inside homes, turning indoor spaces into hidden pollution traps.
Here’s a clear, science-backed guide on how to keep your AQI down inside your home post-Diwali and protect your family’s health.
Air pollution levels spike dramatically after the festival. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows AQI readings frequently exceeding 400 in parts of Delhi after Diwali night — a level considered “severe.”
Reports by The Times of India and Hindustan Times highlight that fine particles such as PM2.5 and PM10 can stay suspended in the air for hours and travel indoors through even the smallest openings.[1,2]
These particles settle deep in the lungs and bloodstream, causing irritation, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. Those with asthma or heart disease may experience worsening symptoms even at short-term exposure.
People spend most of their day inside — at home, in offices, or in vehicles — so indoor air quality (IAQ) has a direct impact on overall health. Studies show that long-term exposure to particulate matter can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to respiratory and heart problems.[3]
Experts at Cleveland Clinic explain that poor indoor air also raises the risk of allergies and cardiovascular strain.[4] Harvard Health notes that high levels of carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) indoors can reduce alertness and focus.[5]
Though the evidence on cognitive effects is still emerging, the impact on lung and heart health is well-established.
Children, older adults, and people with asthma, COPD, or heart disease are most vulnerable to post-Diwali pollution. Their immune and respiratory systems are more sensitive to fine particles and chemical irritants. For them, clean indoor air is not just comfort—it’s essential prevention.
Experts[6] recommend the following practical steps to reduce indoor pollution:
Limit outdoor air entry during high pollution hours. Keep windows closed during early mornings and late evenings when outdoor AQI is worst. Ventilate for a short time around noon when levels dip slightly.
Use HEPA air purifiers. Research shows these filters can lower indoor PM2.5 levels by about 50–60%, depending on room size and pollution intensity.
Install exhaust systems in kitchens and bathrooms. These remove indoor pollutants from cooking fumes, humidity, and cleaning agents.
Clean efficiently. Wipe surfaces and floors using wet mops or microfiber cloths. Avoid dry dusting, which redistributes fine particles into the air.
Avoid indoor smoke sources. Refrain from smoking, burning candles, or lighting incense sticks inside the house as they emit harmful particles and gases.
Track AQI levels. Mobile apps or air-quality monitors can guide when to ventilate and when to keep your home sealed.
Use plants for aesthetics, not purification. While plants improve ambience and absorb some gases, studies confirm they don’t significantly reduce particulate pollution.
If you experience ongoing coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or eye irritation, consult a doctor. For high-risk individuals, using N95 or equivalent masks indoors during high-AQI days can offer additional protection.
Post-Diwali smog is an annual challenge, but it’s possible to protect your indoor environment with consistent effort. Understanding how to keep your AQI down inside your home post-Diwali—through smart ventilation, filtration, and healthy habits—can significantly cut your exposure to harmful air pollutants. Cleaner air at home is not a luxury; it’s an important part of preventive healthcare, especially in the weeks following Diwali.
“Delhi’s Air Pollution Surges to Hazardous Levels Post-Diwali.” The Times of India.
“As AQI Rises Post-Diwali, Experts Share How to Protect Lungs, Eyes, and Home.” Hindustan Times.
Vardoulakis S, Giagloglou E, Steinle S, Davis A, Sleeuwenhoek A, Galea KS, Dixon K, Crawford JO. Indoor Exposure to Selected Air Pollutants in the Home Environment: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Dec 2;17(23):8972. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17238972. PMID: 33276576; PMCID: PMC7729884.
Cleveland Clinic. “Indoor Air Quality: How It Affects Your Health.”
Harvard Health Publishing. “Easy Ways You Can Improve Indoor Air Quality.”
Senapathi, V., Murugesan, B., Balasubramaniam, G. et al. Unveiling air quality shifts during Diwali in Chennai using geospatial insights for pollution assessment. Discov Geosci 3, 62 (2025).
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