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Most of us do not realize that inhaling the smoke and chemicals from fireworks and firecrackers can lead to respiratory issues, including lung diseases. Around the world, Diwali firecrackers and fireworks are often used to celebrate important events. However, these festive displays release pollutants into the air, which contribute to the formation of harmful ozone. This burning of crackers can cause lung problems and worsen conditions like Asthma, Bronchitis, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In this blog, we will explore the harmful impact of air pollution caused by crackers on lung health and discuss the steps people, especially those with lung issues, can take to improve their respiratory health.
Synopsis
How Diwali Firecrackers Contribute to Air Pollution?
The air quality index significantly worsens during Diwali festivities. Diwali firecracker emissions consist mainly of harmful pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter—PM2.5 and PM10-, lead, and barium, ensuring the genesis of air pollution. Once in the atmosphere, these combine with other atmospheric components to form tropospheric ozone or ground-level ozone. The latter, in stark contrast to ozone in the stratosphere serving as a protective layer outside, is a marked respiratory irritant.
Exposure to these pollutants, especially in high concentrations during fireworks displays, can have adverse effects on respiratory health, especially for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions. Even the so-called “green firecrackers” emit smog and particulate matter which could be equally hazardous, especially in vulnerable populations.
| Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) |
Ground-Level Ozone |
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As these particles are small and easily inhalable, they cause inflammation and irritation of the trachea and respiratory bronchi. Consecutively, some acute effects might lead to increased hospital admissions due to asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. |
The fireworks fumes, particularly nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, triggered a reaction when exposed to sunlight, forming "bad ozone". It causes the respiratory tract to inflame and wards up increased lung infection risk among kids, the elderly, and those with lung issues. |
The Impact on Lung Health
The effect of the substance produced by Diwali firecrackers is that once individuals breathe it, they get sick. These symptoms depend on your immune strength as well as the amount of pollution. They may worsen respiratory conditions since they cause inflammation of the lungs.
Acute Effects
Bronchitis Symptoms: What a lot of people find is that firecrackers only have short-term effects on them, for instance, coughing, wheezing, and breathing problems (especially for those with existing conditions). Bronchitic attacks can happen to those who have bronchitis or asthma.
Long-Term Effects
Worsening of lung conditions: Pollution due to crackers can lead to people with long-term lung diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), requiring hospitalization. In severe cases, this may incite respiratory failure with patients needing some form of ventilator support/supplemental oxygen with a tube as they may be unable to breathe on their own.
Higher Risk of Infections: The pollutants degrade the respiratory organs and weaken immunity, thus subjecting them to flu, viral, and bacterial infections that are season-related.
At Risk During Diwali: Who Should Be Cautious?
Certain sections of the population are more predisposed to the harmful effects of crackers, including but not limited to:
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Children and the Elderly: While their lungs are more sensitive to contaminants compared to adults, they lack the immunity to combat many diseases effectively.
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People with Existing Lung Diseases: Individuals diagnosed with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, or other lung conditions are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of Diwali firecracker pollution.
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Patients with Heart-Related Issues: The toxic smoke can also affect the cardiovascular system, placing stress on the heart and potentially increasing the risk of heart attacks.
Consult our pulmonology hospital in Whitefield if you need treatment for lung issues caused by firecrackers Diwali.
Protect Your Lungs During Diwali: Essential Tips
To minimize the harmful effects of firecracker pollution on the lungs, especially during festivals like Diwali, here are a few essential precautions you should take, as advised by our experienced pulmonologist in Whitefield, Bangalore:
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Stay Indoors: Stay indoors if possible, especially during fireworks.
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Use an Air Purifier: The probability of indoor air pollution may be minimized by using an air purifier with HEPA capability.
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Closing windows and doors: Windows and doors can be closed to avoid smoke and harmful particles entering your house.
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Use Medications Prescribed: Asthma patients should carry their prescribed inhalers and medicines. It's always recommended to consult a doctor before the festival season, wherein adjustments in medications may be made if required.
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Avoid Strenuous Activities: Hazardous activities must be avoided while displaying fireworks, as there is excessive intake of polluted air in the body caused by a lot of physical exertion.
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Wear a Mask: If you need to be outdoors when fireworks are being set off, a mask designed to filter fine particles (like an N95) will give some protection.
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Be Air Quality Aware: Check real-time air pollution data from apps or websites so you know to stay indoors when pollution levels are high.
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Opt for Eco-friendly Options: Celebrate with diyas, light displays, and rangolis with flowers and organic colours that don't create any kind of air pollution.
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Vaccination: Flu and pneumonia vaccines are a way to avoid such a risk of infections that may worsen respiratory conditions, particularly during festive seasons.
Conclusion
Diwali firecrackers and the pollutants they release, including fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone, pose a serious threat to individuals with lung conditions. To protect lung health during festive seasons, it's advisable to stay indoors, use an air purifier, and avoid strenuous activities. The environmental impact can also be reduced by limiting the use of firecrackers and celebrating a pollution free Diwali with public health in mind.
FAQ's
Diwali firecrackers and fireworks release pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone. These irritate the airways in your lungs, causing inflammation and narrowing. This can trigger asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Several groups are particularly vulnerable to firecrackers during Diwali: children and the elderly, people with existing lung diseases like asthma, COPD, or bronchitis, and individuals with heart problems.
If you have to watch fireworks, do so indoors while not frequently venturing out to an area with hot, humid conditions. To avoid developing the flu, wear a mask and install air purifiers. Adopt a pollution free diwali and enjoy the festivities.
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