Every year, World Toilet Day is observed to raise awareness about the global sanitation crisis and encourage action to solve it. The goal set by the United Nation is to achieve safe toilets for all by 2023, as a part of their Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN also states that 3.5 billion people live without proper sanitation and many children also lose their lives due to poor sanitation and unsafe water. This is why World Toilet Day is observed to raise awareness on this issue.

Theme

This year, the theme for World Toilet Day 2024 is "Toilets - A Place for Peace'. This focuses on the growing threat to sanitation that is caused by conflict, climate change, disaster and neglect. When there is a threat to using toilets, it can lead to many health risks.

Not using toilets for too long may lead to Urinary Tract Infection or UTI. For many who do not have access to clean toilets do not drink enough liquid or hold pee for too long. Doctors suggest that holding in pee for too long can cause bacteria to multiply and lead to UTI. By not drinking enough water, your bladder fails to tell the body to pee often, and can cause the bacteria to spread through the urinary tract, which can lead to infection.

Symptoms of UTI:

• Burning or stinging feeling while urinating
• Pain in pelvis or lower abdomen
• Constant urge to empty the bladder
• Strong or foul smelling urine
• Consistently dark urine
• Blood in urine

Holding in pee for too long can also cause your bladder to stretch, making it difficult or even impossible for the bladder to contract and release pee normally. It can also damage your pelvic floor muscles or could lead to kidney stones.

World Toilet Day History And Significance

To prevent such conditions, it is important that everyone has access to clean and safe toilets. In terms of history, the day was established in 2001, by the World Toilet Organization (WTO), which was founded by Jack Sim. However, it was officially recognised by the UN in 2013. The Government of Singapore worked with WTO to create the first UN resolution called Sanitation for All.

India too promotes safe and hygiene toilet through its Swachh Bharat Yojna.

Amid worsening air pollution in Delhi, the Supreme Court on Monday allowed certified green crackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8, ahead of Diwali. The complete ban on firecrackers will return on November 9, the court said.

The decision comes as Delhi's air quality deteriorates. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the 'very poor' category for the first time this season on Monday, reaching 312 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This was the morning reading, with the daily average due at 4 pm.

An AQI of 301–400 is classified as 'very poor', while readings above 400 fall in the 'severe' category.

The court imposed the following restrictions:

• Timings: Green crackers can be burst only between 6–7 am and 8–10 pm on November 7 and 8.
• No-cracker zones: Their use is prohibited within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, health centres, old-age homes and educational institutions. These areas must be clearly marked.

Manufacturers and traders must also furnish monetary security, which will be forfeited if they violate the court's order.

Also read: Rising AQI In Delhi-NCR: Doctors Warn Of Lung And Heart Risks As Pollution Builds

What Are Green Crackers?

Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), green crackers are designed to produce fewer emissions than conventional firecrackers.

They are designed to generate lower particulate emissions and produce less noise through modified chemical formulations and dust-suppressing additives.

Are Green Crackers Really Safe For Your Health?

Read More: Landmark Study Links Air Pollution To Higher Hospital Admissions For Cancers & Mental Health Disorders: Lancet

Green crackers may be less polluting than conventional fireworks, but they are not pollution-free. Their chemical combustion still releases particulate matter and gases that can affect respiratory health.

"Green crackers produce fewer emissions than conventional crackers, but calling them safe is misleading. CSIR-NEERI’s criteria require at least 30% lower particulate emissions, or 20% lower particulate emissions plus 10% lower gaseous emissions, compared with corresponding conventional crackers. These are emission benchmarks, not proof of an equivalent reduction in health risk," Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director and Pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe.

He added that smoke from green crackers contains particles and irritant gases that can aggravate asthma and COPD. Children, older adults and people with existing lung disease are particularly vulnerable.

"Legal permission does not establish medical safety. For lung health, celebrating without firecrackers remains the safest choice," the expert said.

Dr. Nikhil Rajvanshi, Consultant – Pediatric Pulmonologist, Allergy and Sleep Specialist at Rainbow Children's Hospital, Delhi, also cautioned against assuming that green crackers are pollution-free.

"They should not be mistaken for pollution-free products. They can still release particulate matter and harmful gases that irritate the respiratory tract. Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs are still developing, and exposure can trigger coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and asthma exacerbations," he told HealthandMe.

He added that children with pre-existing respiratory conditions are at even greater risk. Even reduced emissions can contribute to poor air quality when crackers are used collectively. Parents should prioritise avoiding exposure rather than assuming green crackers are completely safe for children's lungs.

Do Green Crackers Contain Harmful Chemicals?

A 2020 survey by Sumaira Abdulali of the Awaaz Foundation, which works to prevent environmental and noise pollution, raised concerns about chemicals in commercially available firecrackers in Mumbai.

According to Frontline, all 28 crackers tested contained hazardous chemicals prohibited under the Hazardous Chemicals Rules.

The Foundation also tested green crackers, including sparklers, chakris and anars, some carrying NEERI's green cracker certification mark.

The tests reportedly detected barium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sulphur. Barium nitrate was among the chemicals prohibited by the Supreme Court in October 2018.

Indian television actor Anuj Thakur died at the age of 33 after reportedly suffering a seizure in his sleep. Thakur, who appeared in television shows like Dhoom Machao Dhoom and Bandhan Saath Janmon Ka, died at his Mumbai home on October 27. His friend and casting director Rupesh Sonar confirmed the news on November 2, saying the actor's family had told him that Thakur suffered a seizure during the night.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Sonar recalled, “I was shocked to hear that he had gone to sleep at night and never woke up.”

He also revealed that Thakur had experienced another seizure earlier in 2026 and was getting treated for it. According to Sonar, the actor's mother found him unresponsive when she went to wake him in the morning.

Although the exact medical cause of Thakur's death has not been confirmed yet, the incident raises questions about when seizures occurring during sleep can become life-threatening.

When Can Nocturnal Seizures Turn Fatal?

We spoke to Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman - Marengo Asia International Institute of Neurology and Spine (MAIINS), Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, about the dangers of seizures during sleep. He said that nocturnal seizures are more dangerous because they may go unnoticed and help may be delayed.

Dr Gupta explained, "A seizure during sleep can sometimes be fatal even in someone who has never been diagnosed with epilepsy. The majority of seizures stop spontaneously, yet some seizures may interfere with normal breathing, have an effect on the rhythm of the heart and decrease oxygen supply to the brain. A dangerous aspect occurs when a seizure occurs while sleeping because the person may be alone or unable to call for help. It is important to treat a first seizure seriously because it can be related to dangers that require immediate evaluation by a doctor."

By Dr. Arindam Das, Senior Consultant - Neurology, Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, Kolkata, told us that seizures can also be the first sign of a neurological issue. He added even if not all seizures will cause problems, any unexplained seizures should be checked out by a neurologist to determine the cause and find the right treatment.

Signs Of Nocturnal Seizures

The doctors said that signs of nocturnal seizures are subtle. Dr Gupta said, "Look for unexplained tongue biting, wet bedding from incontinence, or bruises or injuries found in the morning."

He also said that it is normal to wake up very tired and confused, with a headache and muscle soreness. He added that a person may notice sudden stiffening, jerking, , or odd movements. Some people may also experience unexplained sleepiness during the day.

Dr Manish Chhabria, Senior Consultant – Neurologist, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, said, "Signs a bed partner may notice are sudden body movements or jerks, movements, strange gurgles, complex or violent behaviors, vocalizations, sudden awakening with confusion or panic."

Dr Das advised, "If you are having repeated episodes then you should not ignore them. A neurological assessment can be done to help determine if there is abnormal brain activity. This can be done with investigations such as an EEG.

What Conditions May Cause Nocturnal Seizures?

Also read: Woman With Epilepsy Dies After Following ChatGPT’s Advice To Stop Medication: Why AI Cannot Replace A Doctor

Dr Chhabria said, "A seizure in sleep can be fatal even if one doesn’t have a prior history of it or never has been diagnosed of it."

Nocturnal seizures can occur due to many conditions, including epilepsy, brain infections, strokes and brain injuries, electrolyte imbalance, alcohol or drugs withdrawal.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most common condition that can lead to repeated nocturnal seizures. Changes in brain electrical activity during different sleep stages can make seizures more likely in susceptible individuals. Certain forms are commonly associated with sleep. They include:

• Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy, previously called nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy
• Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
• Epilepsy with generalised tonic-clonic seizures alone
• Other epilepsy syndromes

Brain infections

Infections affecting the brain like meningitis and encephalitis, can cause seizures by triggering inflammation and disrupting normal electrical activity in the brain.

Stroke and brain injuries

A stroke, bleeding in the brain or traumatic brain injury can damage brain tissue and trigger seizures. These may occur during sleep or even while awake.

Electrolyte disturbances

Certain abnormalities in the body's chemistry can trigger seizures. These disturbances can affect the electrical signalling between nerve cells. They include:

• Severe hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
• Low blood sodium
• Low calcium levels

Alcohol or drug withdrawal

Heavy alcohol use followed by sudden withdrawal can trigger seizures. Certain recreational drugs, including cocaine and amphetamines, can also provoke seizures.

Certain medications

Some medicines, including particular antidepressants and pain medications, can lower the seizure threshold, especially at high doses or in susceptible individuals.

Also read: What Causes Epilepsy? 5 Common Reasons Why It Happens

What Can Be Done To Prevent Nocturnal Seizures?

Anti-seizure medicines should be taken according to the schedule prescribed by the doctor. People who continue to experience seizures should consult their neurologist to review their treatment. Doctors may adjust doses, change medicines or consider other treatment options depending on the cause and frequency of seizures.

Dr Gupta said, "Taking your anti-seizure medication as prescribed is the best way to prevent seizures. Other good habits like getting enough sleep as well as not drinking alcohol and controlling stress also help. Safety options can get help quickly like a bed alarm, seizure monitor and sharing a room. Regular follow-ups help doctors to tweak the treatments."

The Epilepsy Foundation also recommends maintaining regular sleep patterns, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and identifying seizure triggers.

Dr Chhabria recommended safe sleeping strategies "like side-lying positions, specialized anti-suffocation or lattice pillows, and creating clear emergency response plan does help prevent a catastophe."

For people who experience frequent seizures during sleep, nocturnal supervision may be considered. This can include having someone nearby who can provide assistance during the seizure.

Dr Das advised, "Family members should also be educated on how to give first aid during a seizure. Early intervention and good treatment can greatly improve your seizure control and reduce your risk."

What Should Someone Do During A Seizure?

Knowing seizure first aid can help prevent injuries and other complications. If someone experiences a seizure:

• Move nearby objects away to prevent injuries.
• Cushion their head with something soft.
• Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
• Turn them gently onto their side when possible, particularly after the convulsions stop.
• Do not restrain their movements or put anything inside their mouth.
• Monitor and time the seizure and stay with the person until they recover.

Emergency medical assistance is necessary if a seizure lasts five minutes or longer, another seizure begins before the person recovers, breathing becomes difficult or the person is injured.

Annual average heat-related deaths have increased by nearly 36% in the years following the Paris Agreement compared with the previous decade, according to the latest Lancet Countdown report.

The 2026 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report, released ahead of COP31, highlights how climate change is increasingly threatening health and survival worldwide, even as climate action begins to deliver measurable benefits.

The report also comes amid a strengthening El Niño event this year, which is expected to influence global temperatures and rainfall patterns in the coming months.

Climate Change's Growing Global Health Burden

The report identifies three key findings:

• Growing health burden: Climate-related health impacts have accelerated over the past decade as greenhouse gas emissions continued to break records.
• Uneven climate gains: Climate commitments since the Paris Agreement have delivered measurable health benefits, but progress remains too slow and uneven.
• Urgent action needed: Climate change must be recognised as a global health emergency, with equitable, evidence-based action prioritising health and survival.

“Climate change is already harming health in every region of the world, and the evidence shows that many of these impacts are accelerating,” said Dr Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, Head of the Climate Change, Air Quality and Energy and Health Unit at WHO.

Also read: 'Humanity Can Still Act': Lancet Warns Of 17 Global Health Threats By 2100

Heat-Related Deaths and Drought Rising

In 2023 alone, heat was linked to a record 710,000 deaths globally, with more than 70% of this burden attributable to human-caused climate change.

Extreme drought affected nearly 52% of the world's land for at least one month in 2025. The report also highlights increasing exposure to hydrological extremes and economic losses linked to heat exposure.

Climate Change Increasing Health Risks in India

According to the report, Half of the heatwave days Indians experienced between 2016 and 2025 were attributable to climate change.

Indians also faced more than 2,600 hours annually when temperatures posed a moderate or higher risk of heat stress during outdoor activities such as brisk walking. This was over 200 hours more than the average recorded in the 1990s.

Rising temperatures also contributed to an estimated 64 hours of sleep lost annually between 2021 and 2025, approximately three hours more each year than during 1986–2005.

Climate change is also increasing the climatic suitability for dengue and malaria transmission in India.

Read More: Climate Change And Gut Health: How Heat, Drought And Unsafe Water Raise Risks, Global Experts Warn

Clean Energy Investments Offer Hope

The report notes progress in climate-resilient health systems, including greater adoption of national health adaptation plans and climate-informed early warning systems.

Global investment in clean energy reached a record US$2.1 trillion in 2025. Countries that have reduced fossil fuel-related air pollution are also estimated to be preventing thousands of premature deaths each year.

Lancet Countdown Calls for Climate Emergency Recognition

The 2026 report brings together 146 researchers from more than 100 institutions across over 30 countries. The authors call for climate change to be formally recognised as a global health emergency, with health considerations integrated into climate mitigation, adaptation and financing decisions.

Priorities include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing adaptation funding and strengthening health systems.

"Climate action is a health intervention. Cleaner energy, stronger health systems and early warning systems are saving lives today,” Campbell-Lendrum said.

El Niño Could Further Intensify Health Risks

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has forecast above-average temperatures across large parts of the world in 2026, with the strengthening El Niño expected to alter rainfall patterns and increase the risk of drought in some regions and floods in others.

For October-November-December, the seasonal average Niño 3.4 sea surface temperature anomaly is forecast to reach approximately +3.7°C, peaking around December. This is the highest since observations began and is stronger than the previous record of + 2.6 °C in November 2015-January 2016.

These conditions could further intensify heat exposure, disrupt water and food supplies and increase the risk of climate-sensitive diseases, including dengue and malaria, the WMO said, adding that forecasts indicate a near-100 per cent likelihood that it will persist through February 2027.