As soon as the festival of Diwali (Diwali 2024) arrives, a thick blanket of smoke covers Delhi and surrounding cities. Every year during this time the level of pollution increases so much that it poses a serious threat to our health. The smoke emitted from firecrackers not only contaminates the environment but also harms our health in many ways (Firecracker Smoke Side Effects).

Different studies have revealed that the smoke of firecrackers contains many harmful chemicals that directly affect our lungs. After Diwali, a significant increase is seen in the cases of cough, asthma and breathing problems. Not only adults but children are also badly affected by these problems.

In view of the increasing health risks, every year an appeal is made not to burst crackers, but still crackers are sold in the markets. Many times accidents also occur due to crackers in which people even lose their lives. In such a situation, in this article we will know in detail what damages can be caused to our health by the smoke of crackers, people suffering from which diseases should take special precautions (Firecracker Smoke Prevention Tips) and what measures can be taken if the skin gets burnt due to crackers (Diwali Firecracker Precautions Tips).

What is the effect of firecrackers on health?

Cancer risk

The smoke of firecrackers is not just limited to the lungs; it has serious consequences on the entire body. The most dangerous of these is cancer. Yes, the chemicals and radioactive elements used for the colorful glow of firecrackers increase the risk of cancer manifold. These harmful substances can enter the body and damage various organs and give rise to serious diseases like cancer.

Asthma problem

After the joy of Diwali, our health is endangered by the poison spread in the air. The poisonous elements present in the dust particles damage our lungs and make breathing difficult for asthma patients. An element called cadmium makes us weak by causing a lack of oxygen in the blood.

Heart Attack Risk

The smoke of firecrackers can be extremely dangerous for heart patients. The smoke from firecrackers directly goes into the lungs and damages them and can cause breathing problems. Apart from this, the loud sound of firecrackers puts pressure on the heart and can make the heartbeat irregular, increasing the risk of heart attack. The sound of firecrackers is also very scary for small children and animals. They start crying out of fear and their heartbeat becomes very fast.

Danger to pregnant women

The smoke emitted from firecrackers poses a serious threat to pregnant women and their unborn babies. The harmful chemicals present in the smoke can affect the respiratory system, causing breathing difficulties. Apart from this, exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of congenital disabilities in the unborn baby. Prolonged exposure to smoke also increases the risk of miscarriage.

Stress is triggered

The sound of firecrackers disturbs many people. Due to loud sound, blood pressure of many people increases and they can also go into depression. Due to firecrackers, one is not able to sleep well which causes further trouble. Sometimes people also become very irritable.

Who should take special precautions?

Asthma patients

Burning crackers causes a lot of pollution which lasts for weeks. This happens every year in Delhi. This pollutes the air and causes breathing problems. Diseases like asthma and bronchitis can occur. People who already have asthma may have aggravated their disease. Living in pollution for a long time can damage the lungs.

Pregnant women

Doctors say that the air becomes very polluted during Diwali, which can have a bad effect on pregnant women. If a pregnant woman breathes polluted air, her baby may be born prematurely or the baby may be born with low weight. Prematurely born babies can remain ill. Therefore, pregnant women need to be very careful.

Eye problems

With the increase in air pollution, problems like burning, itching and redness in the eyes become common. Harmful nitrogen oxide present in smog is the main cause of this problem. Long-term exposure to pollution can cause serious eye diseases like conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. The risk of vision loss also increases due to pollution. Irritation in the nose and throat is also a common problem after Diwali.

What is the first thing to do if you get hurt by firecrackers?

Ice compress

If a firecracker burns your hand or any part of the body, first of all, apply ice to the burnt area for 10-15 minutes. This will reduce the burning sensation and the swelling will not increase. Then cover the burnt area with a clean cloth so that no dirt enters it. If blisters have formed, do not burst them, as this can cause infection.

Aloe vera gel and coconut oil

Both aloe vera and coconut oil are very beneficial for skin burns. Aloe vera has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Pure aloe vera gel extracted directly from the plant is best. Coconut oil contains vitamin E which helps reduce burn scars.

Protect the skin from dryness

Applying moisturizing lotion on the burnt area provides moisture to the skin and does not dry it. However, any type of cream or lotion should not be used without consulting a doctor. Take only painkillers prescribed by the doctor for pain. The doctor can also give you antiseptic cream which helps prevent infection.