7) Agarbattis emit PM 2.5; candles are just as bad
PM 2.5 levels spike five to seven times when agarbattis are lit. Even herbal agarbattis release toxic gases and PM 2.5. I suggest you light your agarbattis outside and stick them in a Tulsi pot. Candles are guilty of emitting VOCs (volatile organic compounds) as well, especially the perfumed ones that a lot of us like to use around the house. Remember, combustion and smoke is the same. There is no good smoke.
8) Most things that smell good are bad for you
Perfumes, deodorants and air fresheners fall in the same category. They emit high VOCs. I know that puts a lot of you in a spot, after all we don't want to smell bad. But the question is, what's more critical? Health or vanity?
9) Use these indoor plants:
a) Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)
Money Plants remove formaldehyde and carbon monoxide (CO) from the air and help in increasing general indoor air quality. They improve your cognitive ability, thereby making you smarter!
b) Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)
These palms work like air purifiers by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
c) Mother-In-Law's Tongue or snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
These plants absorb harmful toxins such as nitrogen oxide, xylene, carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. They produce oxygen at night, even in a dark room, making it the perfect bedroom plant.
10) Do Diwali differently
In most first world countries, fireworks are a community affair rather than an individual celebration. During festivals such as Diwali and Holi, when fireworks lead to a sharp drop in air quality every year, encourage your neighbours to celebrate together in the colony rather than only with their families. This will mean fewer fireworks, and less pollution.
Kamal Meattle and Barun Aggarwal are two of the country's top experts on battling air pollution. Their book, 'How To Grow Fresh Air', based on Meattle's viral TED talk, can be pre-ordered here.