Delhi's Doctors say, "Diwali Crackers = Lung Cancer"

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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