A large number of doctors in Delhi this year are appealing for a cracker-free Diwali. Advocating ‘No Diwali crackers, no lung cancer’ for the city this festival season, Dr. Niranjan Naik, senior Oncologist (surgeon) from Dharamshila Hospital said: “Firecrackers form a major part of our Diwali celebrations. These firecrackers are not only harming the environment, but also lead to serious health problems. The crackers emit the worst kind of gases and increase air pollution by 30 per cent. The toxic air is not only dangerous for those suffering from pulmonary diseases, but it also causes breathing problems in others.’’
Stating that crackers contain elements like copper, cadmium, sulphur, aluminium and barium, the physician explained that on bursting, crackers emit toxic chemicals and gases that remain suspended for a long time.
“Breathing such toxic and fine particles in the firecracker smog can cause serious health problems such as risk of lung inflammation, asthma attacks and like symptoms. Exposure to the smoke and smog aggravates symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Staying in Delhi NCR itself is a risk factor equivalent to smoking two cigarettes per day even if you are a non-smoker. It is strongly recommended that children, the elderly and people with lung or heart disease who are especially sensitive should stay indoors and close the windows to avoid breathing the smoke,’’ added Dr. Naik.
A 24-hour public service Diwali helpline number is also being launched by plastic surgeon Dr. Anup Dhir in order to provide immediate consultancy during the festive season. The number will be functional from October 22-25 which will provide telephonic advice for injuries, wounds, burns etc. caused during the festival of lights. The number is – 09312377554.
“In 2012 according to statistics, 38 per cent of injuries involve those on hands and fingers, while 19 per cent are caused to the eyes. About half of the injuries are burns, especially in the face, hand, wrist or arm. Contusions and lacerations are the next most common kind of injuries’’ said Dr. Dhir.
Worse 40 per cent of those who suffer such injuries are children below the age of 14, and it is mostly boys in the age group of 10 to 14.
Primus Super Speciality Hospital chairman and senior consultant, Institute of Digestive/Hepato-Billiary Sciences Dr. Harsh Kapoor while explaining about healthy food habits for the festive season said: “The aim should be to go for healthy eating during this season. Monitoring what you are eating during festivals is essential.”
