Diwali 2024: Mumbai doctors warn of alarming health risks from noise pollution

As the vibrant festival of Diwali approaches, the air fills with excitement, anticipation, and the unmistakable sound of firecrackers. While these beautiful displays are a cherished tradition to many, they also contribute to noise pollution, impacting the well-being of individuals and communities around.

Ahead of the festival of lights, mid-day.com spoke to health professionals, Dr Adip Shetty, ENT Surgeon, Lilavati Hospital and Dr Ravina Shetty, ENT, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai to learn more about it.

As we celebrate this festival of lights, it is crucial to acknowledge the darker side of our joyous celebrations and explore strategies to mitigate noise pollution's impact. These doctors not only share the causes but also the effects and tips to deal with it.

What symptoms individuals might experience due to exposure to noise pollution?

Adip: Permanent or temporary hearing loss, headaches, palpitations, ear pain, confusion, irritability, insomnia, and high blood pressure are some of the common symptoms of noise pollution that can impact one's well-being and interfere with the daily routine.

Ravina: Noise pollution can cause more harm than you may think. It not only affects your hearing but your mental well-being too. One can experience a range of symptoms. This includes symptoms like extreme headache, anxiety, stress, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), difficulty in sleeping, dramatic mood swings, unable to concentrate, high blood pressure, and hearing loss. The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person.

What are the short-term and long-term effects of noise pollution on health, specifically related to firecracker use?

Adip: Short-term effects of noise pollution are headaches, ear pain, and irritability, and long-term effects are anxiety, stress, and hearing impairment that is hearing loss. It is imperative to consult an expert without any delay to initiate further treatment.

Ravina: Crackers are mostly busted during the nighttime which can negatively affect one's sleeping pattern making it difficult to fall asleep. This can highly affect the next day making them irritable and stressed. The loud and sharp noise of these firecrackers can hamper their hearing resulting in various hearing-related problems. Over a long time, repeated exposure to loud noise can lead to chronic stress, mental health problems, high blood pressure, deteriorating ear health, and cardiovascular problems.

Which age groups are most affected by noise pollution from firecrackers?

Adip: The age group from 10-75 is impacted by noise pollution. Noise pollution doesn't discriminate based on age and takes a toll on everyone. It is better to be at home sound and safe.

Ravina: Noise pollution can affect anyone irrespective of their age. The loud and sharp noise from firecrackers can be overwhelming for everyone. However, people with sensitive hearing, particularly children and the elderly, can be highly affected by the noise pollution caused by firecrackers.

Is there a gender difference in sensitivity to noise pollution effects from firecrackers?

Adip: There is no link between gender and noise pollution impact. It is not gender- specific and anyone can experience problems due to noise pollution.

Who are the most vulnerable population when it comes to noise pollution?

Adip: However, infants, children, older people, and pregnant women will be vulnerable to noise pollution. Also, those with depression, panic attacks, or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be sensitive to noise pollution. Even people known to have cardiac problems, stroke, and cancer should stay away from noise pollution due to firecrackers.

Ravina: Various people are most vulnerable when it comes to noise pollution. Children or infants are more likely to get affected as their hearing aid is just developing and loud and sharp noise can be harmful to their ears. Similarly, elderly people should refrain from going to areas with increased noise pollution as they are more sensitive to noise with increasing age.

What strategies can individuals adopt to avoid getting affected by noise pollution?

Adip: One should be at home to stay away from noise pollution and keep the doors and windows closed. Make sure to use earplugs, and try to celebrate any event without firecrackers. Just like humans, even animals should be kept away from firecracker noise pollution. Restrict the time of using firecrackers.

Ravina: If you are more sensitive towards any type of sharp or intense noise then you can try to avoid visiting areas with increased noise like gatherings or events where people are actively bursting firecrackers. These days people can even try using noise-cancelling earphones to protect their hearing and reduce the intensity of the noise.

How should individuals manage symptoms after being diagnosed with noise-induced health issues?

Adip: Firstly if you feel you have hearing loss post any noise exposure, the first thing is to do an audiogram and speech discrimination hearing tests.

• Use medication advised by the doctor, and use ear plugs or cotton to reduce the sound exposure.
• Some might require hearing aids if hearing loss cannot be reversed with medications.
• People should avoid excessive noise that is coming from firecrackers. Ensure to keep children away from loud noises.

Ravina: If you start to experience symptoms like reduced hearing or problems in hearing then consider consulting a doctor for a detailed assessment. People often tend to take these symptoms lightly with the hope that they may get better over time. However, delayed doctor visits can only worsen your condition as well as the symptoms. Avoid taking these hearing problems lightly or try to treat them at home with DIY remedies. Your doctor may evaluate your condition and recommend an effective solution for a positive outcome. Exposure to loud sounds can result into sudden hearing loss which can be identified as ringing sensation in the ear and reduced perception of sound. These symptoms can be reversed significantly if prompt treatment is taken within 72 hours of onset.

Share tips to help reduce the impact of noise pollution on mental health.

Adip: Avoid activities that cause high levels of noise pollution, use noise-cancellation earphones, and create quiet spaces at home to escape that loud noise. Meditate or do yoga to de-stress, watch the TV with low volume, and speak softly with others. Avoid any events conducted on roads that involve firecrackers and loudspeakers.

Ravina: Sudden loud noise from firecrackers can be disturbing to those suffering from mental health problems like anxiety, stress, and depression. During this time plugging your noise-cancelling headphones and reading a novel or book from your favourite author can be a smart choice. If loud and sharp noise tends to make you stressed and anxious then practising mindfulness can be helpful. Activities like yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises can work effectively in calming you down amidst all the chaos.

How can community awareness and policy changes reduce the effects of firecracker noise pollution?

Adip: Raising awareness and educating people regarding the harmful effects of noise emitted from firecrackers and loudspeakers will help to stay healthy and hearty. It is better to encourage everyone to limit the use of firecrackers at a restricted time and place and limit exposure to noise pollution.

Ravina: Noise pollution due to firecrackers is a serious concern that affects millions of people during the festive season. While firecracker busting can be a fun experience for some, it may also be an overwhelming experience for children, pregnant women, those suffering from mental health problems, trying to work, or even animals. People need to be educated about the harmful effects of bursting firecrackers which can contribute to air and noise pollution and littering. Stringent policies by the government about time restrictions for bursting firecrackers will be beneficial in controlling noise pollution.

Also Read: Diwali 2024: Is a ban and other regulations on firecrackers effective in curbing air pollution?