Festival spells trouble for asthmatics
The festival of light is here again, but along with the festive fervor comes along an increase in asthma and other respiratory ailments.
Added to the physical injuries, the smoke emitted from fireworks is a major factor which provokes asthma and other respiratory ailments.
Firecrackers contains potassium nitrate, carbon, sulphur and other harmful elements which, when burnt, emits harmful gases like sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, manganese and even cadmium in the air.
This causes irritation in the lungs and worsens the condition of people, especially those with asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments, said, Dr H. Paramesh, pulmonologist and President, Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association.
“During these three days, the emission of sulphur dioxide goes up 200 times than the permissible limits set by World Health Organization (WHO), thereby increasing the risk of asthma attacks and other smoke and dust allergies by about 100 times.
During Diwali, the risks of respiratory infections are also equally high among all. People without any prior history of respiratory ailments develop symptoms of coughing, wheezing and breathlessness”, he noted.
Dr Venkatesh Thuppil, Principal Investigator, Quality Council of India and National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India, Bengaluru, feels: “Most crackers contain toxic heavy metals that can have a severe effect on health. Despite regulations, fire crackers are available for sale in plenty.”
Most crackers contain heavy metals to produce colourful sparks. These causes respiratory and skin irritation.Crackers also contain fine particles that drastically raise the pollutant levels in the air, making it risky for people with asthma and respiratory problem to even breathe, he added.
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