Let’s have a safe Diwali

October 22, 2014 01:23 am | Updated December 17, 2016 04:46 am IST - HYDERABAD:

The doctors have made an appeal to public, especially youngsters, to observe caution while bursting crackers this Diwali. Skin specialists said that poisonous chemical mix discharged from fire crackers becomes unbearable for allergy and asthma patients and persons, who have multiple chemicals sensitivity.

With number of injured during Diwali increasing every year, physicians have advised purchase of firecrackers from authorised dealers and keeping them away from children. Studies have shown that fire crackers have significant amount of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium and their fumes contain oxides of sulphur, phosphorous, nitrogen and carbon, which are highly harmful, doctors said.

“The oxides from the chemicals discharged from burning fire crackers, come into contact with moisture while passing from nostrils to the lungs and form acids, which damage the body. This causes an upsurge of 35 per cent of sick people reporting to clinics due to asthma and bronchitis after Diwali,” says CEO, Allergy and Asthma Network of India, Dr. Vyakarnam Nageshwar.

Eye specialists from the State-run S.D. Eye Hospital said that every year a large number of youngsters between 10 and 18 years of age get admitted with eye related injuries. “Only one person at a time should be allowed to light a firecracker. Avoid bursting crackers on terrace and park vehicles at safe place in case of bursting crackers on road. Children should never be left alone and everyone should use a long candle to light crackers. Buckets filled with water should be kept nearby,” they suggested.

According to K.P. Reddy of Maxivision, firecracker injuries occur due to the pressure wave created because of explosion which causes severe injuries around the eyes, eye lids and cornea. “The clay pallet that’s at the bottom of the firecracker can fly at you, which could cause aberrations in the cornea, the outer-most layer of eye,” he said.

Doctors point out that there are other health-related problems that go unnoticed. “Firecrackers during Diwali can act as a source of irritation and prolonged exposure may aggravate certain psychiatric conditions as well. Women in later stages of pregnancy should be careful,” Dr. Nageshwar said.

TIPS TO PROTECT FROM SMOKE AND CHEMICAL EXPOSE FOR ALLERGY PATIENTS.

1) Do not get exposed to direct smoke, as it may lead to choking effect. Stay away and cover nose and mouth

2) Preferable to stay indoors with windows and doors closed and use an air conditioner or air purifier with a good filter during the heaviest fire works celebrations.

4) Wear a paper or gauze mask to decrease smoke inhalation unless it interferes with regular breathing.

5) Wash your eyes, nose, mouth, hands with warm water after exposure to firecrackers.

6) Don’t burn firecrackers inside the house as this will have a dangerous impact on allergy and asthma patients.

7) Keep your medication within reach.

8) Always desirable to seek medical advice at the earliest, in the first sign of breathlessness or severe non-retracting cough.

9) Immediate first aid for eyes is to wash eyes thoroughly with potable water for 25 minutes and in case of serious infection or injury, one should consult an eye specialist within an hour.

10) Children should be monitored.

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