Health is Important Than Crackers
-Dr.M.A.Aleem
Former Vice-Principal
KAPV Govt. Medical College.
Trichy.
Consultant Neurologist and
Epileptologist
ABC Hospital
Trichy Tamilnadu India
With the one of the grandest festival of India “The Diwali” at our doorsteps, we are also getting close to the noisy and polluting crackers. These fire crackers not only cause Air Pollution but also cause Noise Pollution. Crackers are injurious to senior citizens and children’s health.
Crackers not only are injurious to humans but also for other beings such as, animals and birds. Animals whose ears are more sensitive such as Dogs and Cats get afraid and often lose their hearing ability. These problems are also faced by us and these crackers often lead to temporary or permanent deafness.
Hence it is advised to you all to encourage a crackers free Diwali. So, here are some adverse effects of crackers on health.
Air Pollution
Air pollution takes the first position when it comes to the adverse effects of crackers on health. According to articles across the internet, air pollution goes up by 50% during Diwali in India. Air pollution leads to respiratory illnesses such as Asthma, Bronchitis and other Lung problems. Hence, it is advised to avoid crackers to avert the hazards of air pollution on our health.
Smog
Effects of crackers on healthThe pollution thus caused due to crackers also leads to Smog (Smoke + Fog). Smog is not only injurious to health but also causes problems during night driving as it obstructs our view. Smog can occur if there is no wind or rain within 2-3 days from such special occasion. Smog also leads to health problems such as skin burning and Lung Cancers. Hence, Smog is one of the most adverse effect(s) of crackers on health.
Global Warming
The Oxides and Dioxides of Sulphur and Nitrogen are released during the burning of crackers. These are very much harmful to human health and also to the environment around us. These gases are also known as the “Green House Gases” which not only aid in the rising temperatures across the globe but also in the depletion of Earth’s protective shield “The Ozone Layer” which might be hazardous to the living beings around us as they will be directly exposed to Sun’s harmful radiations. Hence Crackers cause Global warming and Global warming has adverse effects on our health.
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is as dangerous as the Air pollution. Noise pollution is also one of the leading adverse effects of crackers on health. It not only affects the Human Beings but also the animals around us such as cats and dogs as they have Ears that are more sensitive than the Humans. Noise pollution caused by crackers might also lead to temporary or permanent deafness.
Injuries & Wounds
Crackers are not only injurious to health but can also cause injuries to the individuals, especially to the children. If crackers are not fired properly they might cause wounds on the parts of body which is exposed to them. In many cases, Children have lost their lives or have lost their eyesight by not litting the crackers properly. Hence, it is one of the most adverse effects of crackers.
Garbage Disposals
After Diwali the main problem that comes to our sight is the Garbage lying on the roads. This garbage is chemical hazardous garbage that is very difficult to dispose off as it might affect the people’s health who live near these disposal areas of the cities. another adverse Effects of crackers on health is that Many firecracker factories and industries in India dont impose security measures and make people work in factories without any safety measures. These chemicals get exposed to their skin, eyes, lungs and increase toxic levels in the body. Many studies have shown that continuous exposure to such hazardous chemicals can lead to impairment or even impotency leading to birth of unhealthy babies.
Additional Health hazards
Crackers are not only injurious to elderly citizens and children but also to the pregnant women. There have been many cases across the globe where the pollution has lead to Miscarriage in pregnant women. Hence pregnant women are advised not to leave their homes when the bursting of crackers is at its peak. Miscarriage is one of the most adverse effects of crackers on health. Other than this, many children are exploited and made to work in firecrackers factories. These children get exposed to harmful chemicals which hinders their growth or even increases toxic levels in their bodies.
Fire and loss of lives
During Diwali there are always headlines in the National Newspapers that some house/workshop has been a prey to fire due to crackers and many people lost their lives. Hence fire crackers not only injure us but can also kill us. Hence Fire is one of the most adverse effects of crackers on health and our lives too.
Harmful Effects of Crackers & Fireworks
simple sparklers have given way to elaborate fireworks that can light up the entire sky above your home. Unfortunately the fumes that these crackers produce are harmful to the the environment and us.
Copper: Causes irritation in the respiratory tract.
Cadmium: Reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of blood, leading to anaemia.
Lead: Lead in the body has a harmful effect on the nervous system.
Magnesium: Magnesium fumes cause a condition known as metal fume fever.
Zinc: Causes metal fume fever and also induces vomiting.
Sodium: Sodium is a highly reactive element and combines with moisture to cause burns.
i) The SPM (suspended particulate matter) levels rise to a large extent during Diwali.
It can cause throat, nose & eye related problems which can later develop into adverse health hazards.
It can lead to headaches & reduced mental acuity when it reaches the level of 100 ppm.
It has much more severe effects in people with heart, respiratory or nervous system disorders.
It can aggravate problem for people suffering from cold, allergies or coughs and can also cause congestion of throat & chest.
ii) Increase amount of noise has harmful effects on animals as well as humans. Standard decibel level for humans is 60 dB.
Increase in the decibel level can lead to:
Restlessness
Temporary or Permanent Hearing Loss
Fidgetiness
High Blood Pressure
Anger
Heart Attack
Sleep Disturbance
Impulsiveness
Can lead to withdrawal behaviour or hyperactivity in pregnant women, children & those suffering from respiratory problems.
iii) Fireworks can also cause health problems like:
Chronic bronchitis
Common Cold
Allergic Bronchitis
Bronchial Asthma
Sinusitis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD)
Ephysema
Rhinitis
Pneumonia
Laryngitis
iv) It results in smog which can reduce visibility thereby leading to accidents as well as is toxic if inhaled.
- It is said that one big firecracker like "1000 walas" and "hydrogen bombs" can produce up to 250 cc of smoke.
- It can also cause water contamination and acid rains.
- It results in air pollution that creates carcinogenic sulphur compounds and airborne arsenic effect.
v) Use of "rockets" near houses gives rise to many injuries each year. There is no law pertaining to the same.
vi) Harmful effects of fireworks displays:
- Green light produced in fireworks displays comes from Barium that is radioactive and poisonous.
- Blue colour produced from copper compounds comes from dioxins linked to cancer.
- Different effects are produced by using different chemicals that are linked to a host of health and respiratory problems.
Therefore it’s a humble request to everyone to avoid crackers on Diwali or any other special occasion as its just equivalent to burning money. One can also celebrate it by having a get together with relatives and friends and sharing light and warm moments with them. Avoiding crackers will also protect your loved ones and will bring the family together during such occasions.
Effects of crackers on health are adverse and can lead to injuries or even loss of life. Celebrate this Diwali-2017 by meeting people, sharing sweets, having dinner together or playing social games doing so increases human bonding and makes everybody happy and keeps everybody out of danger.
