A large number of doctors in Delhi this year are
appealing for a cracker-free Diwali. Advocating ‘No Diwali crackers, no
lung cancer’ for the city this festival season, Dr. Niranjan Naik,
senior Oncologist (surgeon) from Dharamshila Hospital said:
“Firecrackers form a major part of our Diwali celebrations. These
firecrackers are not only harming the environment, but also lead to
serious health problems. The crackers emit the worst kind of gases and
increase air pollution by 30 per cent. The toxic air is not only
dangerous for those suffering from pulmonary diseases, but it also
causes breathing problems in others.’’
Stating that
crackers contain elements like copper, cadmium, sulphur, aluminium and
barium, the physician explained that on bursting, crackers emit toxic
chemicals and gases that remain suspended for a long time.
“Breathing
such toxic and fine particles in the firecracker smog can cause serious
health problems such as risk of lung inflammation, asthma attacks and
like symptoms. Exposure to the smoke and smog aggravates symptoms of
asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Staying in Delhi NCR
itself is a risk factor equivalent to smoking two cigarettes per day
even if you are a non-smoker. It is strongly recommended that children,
the elderly and people with lung or heart disease who are especially
sensitive should stay indoors and close the windows to avoid breathing
the smoke,’’ added Dr. Naik.
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