IE : Burst crackers in moderation to breathe easy : Nov 6,2006

Burst crackers in moderation to breathe easy’ DIWALI ?

Toxic dust easily enters the respiratory tract, compounds problems for those suffering from asthma and bronchitis

W ITH Diwali just four days away, doctors across the city are worried that smoke emitted from firecrackers could compound the problems of people suffering from respiratory ailments.
The smoke of fireworks consists mainly of fine toxic dust that easily enters the lungs and pose a threat to people having asthma and bronchitis.

Moreover, during this festive season, patients with burns and injuries to eyes stream into hospitals across the city.

Crackers burst early in the morning, with heavy smog already present in the air, cause severe problems to the patients of asthma and bronchitis, say doctors.
Some firecrackers emit

“poisonous smoke clouds” which take longer to dissipate causing problems.

According to doctors, people not suffering from respiratory problems complain of acute cold attack, sever headaches and vomiting, conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, skin disorders and temporary mental impairment during the festival. “Crackers used during festival contain oxides like carbon, manganese, sulphur and other chemicals, which can damage the eye because of thermal (heat) component which they produce as well as chemical burn; moreover because of blast it can also cause blunt and penetrating injuries to the eye,” said Dr S Natarajan, leading eye surgeon.

“I have already started getting patients for the last two weeks because of smog. People should celebrate the festival in moderation and keep a check on the air pollution created by the crackers,” said Dr Pramod Niphadkar, honorary secretary of the Asthma and Bronchitis Association of India.

“Burning crackers is a process of incomplete com bustion, the oxides released irritant to airway. Oxides released are harmful for asthma patients. From the past one month we are educating our follow up asthma patients and have tailor made the do’s and don’t’s list for them during Diwali,” said Dr Amita Athavle, head of chest medicine department in KEM hospital.

The Association has put in emergency protocol and instructions for doctors, also people are advised to take more antioxidants. Doctors suggest that like elsewhere in the world, firecrackers should be burst only in open areas in Mumbai, like the seashore, playgrounds or gardens.

“People should avoid bursting crackers in the building compounds, narrow lanes and congested areas,” said Dr Niphadkar.

Every year, asthma OPD witnesses a rise of 25 per cent in anticipation of impending attack of asthma.

“In fact 10 per cent of patients have already left Mumbai to safer places to avoid possible unpleasant experiences,” said Dr Pramod Niphadkar.

Burning crackers is not just harmful for the respiratory tract; if safety mea sures are not followed, the person can be a victim of superficial or even serious burns, said the doctors.

“Diwali casualties are only on out patient department basis. Last year I had 25 patients all with minor burns. However, one should not opt for home remedies and rush to near by hospital to get the right treatment at the earliest,” said Dr S M Keswani, burns specialist, National Institute of Burns.

How to avoid eye injuries ? Wear spectacles for the safety of the eyes ? Care should be taken while lighting bomb crackers so that they do not burst in your hand ? Don’t force the individual to open his/her eyes or rub them vigorously ? Dissuade children from wearing frills, especially nylons, while they light crackers. ? Do not use glass bottles for rocket bombs, as glass splinters may fly and damage the eyes. ? If there is irritation in the eyes, splash with clean water, better still, take a bowl of tap water and immerse the eye, blinking frequently till the burning sensation ceases. Do not rub the eyes in case of any injury. ? In case of chemical injury, wash the eye well with clean water. It is better to avoid washing eye in case of mechanical injuries

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
NOVEMBER 5