Ill-effects of crackers: Doctors advise caution for people with health issues

BENGALURU: Doctors have warned that bursting firecrackers could be more dangerous to the environment and that people with health issues should stay away from smoke emanating from fireworks.

Medical experts point out that airborne dust and pollutants, along with chemicals such as sulphur, zinc, copper and sodium emanating from bursting of firecrackers, enter the atmosphere and can easily endanger health. Smoke from firecrackers causes inflammation in the lungs along with cardiac and respiratory problems.

Doctors have warned people with health issues to stay away from smoke emanating from fireworks.

People with heart diseases should stay away from fireworks. The smoke from chemicals in firecrackers can get into the throat and make it difficult to swallow food and breathe. Also, there is a possibility that it may progress and cause throat cancer. It can also cause skin conditions, medical experts warn.

According to a study, 48 per cent of people who burst firecrackers suffer from coughing, 38 per cent of people have nose and eye irritation and 27 per cent suffered from breathing problems. Allergies and itchy skin affect about 5 per cent of the population. As a result of Diwali firecrackers, up to 2 per cent of people develop asthma. In addition, heart-related diseases are increasing. There is a possibility of losing one’s life due to some firecrackers, they point out.

Dr Muralidhar, Consultant in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

“We celebrate the Deepavali festival by bursting firecrackers, but it is necessary to take precautions to be safe and healthy. The loud noise of crackers can damage the tympanic membrane in the ear, and it might affect hearing. While bursting the crackers, be careful about your eyes and use protection to avoid damage. Even people with heart diseases should be careful and stay away from the loud noise of the crackers because, sometimes, it might lead to a heart attack. The smoke emanating from fireworks can cause health issues,” said Dr Muralidhar, Consultant in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, at a city hospital.