Cracker fumes hazardous for asthma, bronchitis patients

  • 31/10/2013

  • Times Of India (Pune)

Health Experts Warn People With Lung Ailments About Impact Of Smoke Pune: Inhaling fumes emitted by firecrackers not only makes one cough, go breathless and have irritation in the throat, but also worsens pre-existing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. Children and the elderly with lung diseases are vulnerable, said health experts. “The levels of air pollution during Diwali reach almost ‘poisonous’ levels. As responsible citizens, we need to bring about awareness about the harm we cause ourselves and our neighbours when we pollute the air by bursting firecrackers,” said chest physician Sundeep Salvi, director of Chest Research Foundation (CRF). The foundation has carried out various studies to gauge the impact of firecracker fumes on health during Diwali in Pune. The study found the level of sulphur dioxide, a toxic gas produced by the burning of firecrackers, when measured in a residential location to have reached levels more than 200 times above the safety limits prescribed by the World Health Organisation. “Inhaling such high levels of sulphur dioxide not only cause new respiratory problems such as cough, breathlessness and irritation in the throat, but also worsens pre-existing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. Children and the elderly with pre-existing lung diseases are particularly vulnerable,” Salvi said. Sparklers, flower pots (anar) and the chakri are firecrackers that produce the most air pollution. “When thousands of people burn firecrackers at the same time, very high levels of air pollutants can remain suspended in the air for several hours and even travel long distances,” he said. “People who have underlying lung and heart diseases should stay away from the smoke of fireworks, take their medication regularly, eat fresh fruits and drink plenty of water,” he added. Besides, injuries by firecrackers are common during Diwali. Lack of knowledge about safety measures, absence of parental supervision and failure to maintain a safe distance from firecrackers can lead to mishaps. Eye surgeon Parikshit Gogate said, “Fire cracker injuries have reduced over the years. Till a few years ago, we used to have one to four persons losing sight every Diwali. Flower pots and rockets were prime culprits as they would burst early when lit.” Bombs and even sparklers can cause burns and corneal perforations. With flower pots and bombs, sometimes the eye bursts open and the eyeball has to be removed. “We had published our research on causes of traumatic cataract in children. Fire crackers were a relatively less common cause,” Gogate said. Paediatrician Sanjay Lalwani said children should be told about the dangers involved in bursting firecrackers without adequate precautions. “People should make sure that a responsible adult, to whom the children listen to, is present when they are lighting firecrackers. Warn children against holding crackers in their hands while lighting them,” Lalwani said.