Asia & the Pacific



The fumes from thousands of Diwali fireworks have pushed air pollution in Delhi to dangerous levels, with concentrations of toxic airborne particles reaching 40 times the limit recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Indians play with firecrackers to celebrate Diwali in Allahabad, India on Wednesday.

Indians play with firecrackers to celebrate Diwali in Allahabad, India on Wednesday. Image by AP Photo/ Rajesh Kumar Singh

Every year, millions of fireworks are let off across India as part of the Festival of Light, but most are packed with toxic chemicals, which are released into the air when the fireworks explode and combine with particles of soot and other pollutants. According to WHO, 13 of the 20 most polluted cities on earth are in India. Read more: bbc.co.uk