Diwali Health Warning: 5 Firecrackers That Can Seriously Damage Your Lungs

Diwali Health Warning: Let’s know 5 firecrackers that can seriously damage your lungs. Learn how to protect yourself and your family from toxic smoke this festival.

Diwali, the festival of lights, sweetness, and joy, are in the Skies, but it is the time of air pollution and toxic smoke skyrocketing. Each year, millions of firecrackers cause dangerous particles that may seriously attack your lungs, particularly in children, the elderly, and individuals with breathing issues. It is important to have fun this season and at the same time remain conscious of the concealed health hazards. The following is a closer examination of the 5 most risky firecrackers this Diwali and how you can still have a good time and be safe at the same time.

1) Aerial Rockets / Sky Shells

Rocket shots can be traced flying at high altitudes above the earth, causing a puff of smoke and fine dust, which finally falls back to the earth. These air pollutants have heavy metals and chemicals which may irritate your lungs, cause an asthma attack and deteriorate chronic breathing problems. Short exposure may lead to coughing, irritation of the throat and dyspnea.

2) Anar / Flowerpot

These are ground spinners that are colored and produce thick smoke immediately at the breathing height. The smoke is so thick that it spikes the level of PM 2.5 and PM10, and these can go deep into the lungs and cause respiratory infections. Children and older folks are specifically susceptible.

3) Large Explosive Crackers (Bombs)

These loud, bursting crackers cause a sudden burst of toxic gases and particulate matter. It has smoke that has sulfur, potassium nitrate and other heavy metals such as barium and strontium that irritate the lungs and may lead to conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, COPD and more. Before lighting these crackers, it is advisable not to do so in crowded places. Keep your distance, make sure to use a good quality N95 or KN95 mask in case you need to be close.

4) Chakri / Ground Spinners

The Chakris rotate on the ground with the chemicals, which burn and produce heavy smoke when they are ground. Children tend to get too close as they breathe the fumes outright, which may lead to such effects as irritation of the throat, wheezing, and dizziness. These tiny crackers may not appear threatening, but they can strike the local air pollution immediately.

5) Sparklers (Fuljhadi)

Sparklers may be mild, but they are also burning hundreds of hot and subsequently they emit metal fumes such as nickel, iron, and barium. Children tend to hold them close to their faces, and there are increased chances of inhalation. It causes allergic reactions or coughing and is potentially fatal to children who have sensitive lungs, even without any immediate prolonged contact. You can be notified by a well-known tip, though, that safer ones would be the LED or glow-stick sparklers.

Tips to Protect Your Lungs This Diwali

Wear an N95 mask or KN95 when spending time outdoors during the firecrackers.
Store guards move up the line producing crackers on fire.
The windows should be sealed, and exhaust fans should be running to eliminate indoor smoke.
Outsourcing is restricted to children, the elderly, and persons with respiratory problems.
Celebrate with low-smoke or community displays instead of lighting firecrackers at home.
Consume much water and eat foods that are friendly to the lungs, such as green leafy vegetables and antioxidant-rich fruits.

Diwali consists of celebration, lights and togetherness, but you must always take care of your health. And by being aware and taking some basic steps, you will stay safe and enjoy the festival, as well as save your lungs and your family. Turn this Diwali into a safe, happy, and healthy Diwali for all those who are around you.