Effect of Diwali fumes on COVID-19, COPD, and other respiratory patients
Diwali celebration and burning
crackers go hand in hand across India, despite the rise of air pollution and
health hazards.
The effects of fireworks on
Diwali impacts the health of several vulnerable people, including COVID-19,
COPD and other respiratory patients. The polluted air also gives birth to new
respiratory problems in healthier people.
Firecrackers release toxic
particles, contaminating the air and aggravating people's health with
pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchitis.
Smoke from burnt firecrackers is
not only harmful to the environment but also poses a threat to COVID patients.
People who have experienced moderate or high COVID-19 can develop lung fibrosis
after the recovery, making it difficult to breathe.
The rise of air pollution in Delhi
is unbearable for COPD and COVID-19 patients. An increase in toxic and
hazardous levels of pollutants in the air severely impacts the health of
people.
Doctors across the nation condemn
the use of firecrackers to reduce the risk of respiratory health issues.
Diwali Festival and Environment
The use of firecrackers damages
the environment, health, waste management, and quality of life. Despite being
banned by the government, people continue to burst them, increasing their
harmful effect on the planet and the population's health.
The chemicals within firecrackers
are highly toxic, causing harm. In addition to creating a fire risk, chemicals
in firecrackers can pose serious health risks.
The smoke from the fireworks
contains fine toxic dust (particulate matter) that enters the lungs and,
consequently, your bloodstream. The smoke consists of a blend of toxic
chemicals, including sulfur-coal compounds, traces of heavy metals and other
harmful gases.
When this smoke mixes with air, it
causes wheezing, breathlessness, dizziness, and other severe respiratory
complications. The air gets infused with lead, magnesium, and nitrate, causing
a rise in alarming health problems.
Apart from the health impact,
noise pollution and the accumulation of waste also pose a significant
challenge. The loud noise of firecrackers triggers anxiety attacks among
humans, animals, birds, and more. The noise pollution from firecrackers induces
hypertension, high-stress levels, hearing loss, and sleep disturbances.
Health Effects of Using
Firecrackers on Respiratory Patients
The Diwali festival and health
issues are always a cause of concern for people with pre-existing respiratory
issues. Diwali air pollution is not just a short term issue
According to research by the Institute of Environmental Assessment
and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), metallic particles emitted from fireworks can cause harm to
asthmatic patients.
India experiences a 30% to 40%
rise in wheezing, respiratory disease, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) amongst all ages during Diwali.
A recent study from Harvard University states there is an increasing risk of mortality and severe
symptoms of COVID-19 due to exposure to air pollution. Poor air quality,
especially fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 µm (PM2.5), is one of
the biggest risk factors for the increased mortality rate amongst COVID-19
patients.
What can you do to protect your
respiratory health during Diwali?
To reduce the pollution level, we can take certain actions to protect our respiratory health from toxic pollutants in the air. Here is the to-do list for breathing better during this Diwali -
Avoid lighting candles and Diyas indoors to keep pollution in check. You can use sustainable LED lights to illuminate the house without releasing particulate matter into the air.
Keep away from public gatherings and meet-ups, and stay indoors as much as possible.
If you are stepping outside, don’t forget to wear a good quality mask to filter out the tiny particulate matter in the air.
If you are a COPD patient or any other respiratory patient, take extra care to ensure you are using your oxygen therapy devices as prescribed
Invest in healthy foods rich in antioxidants and vitamin C such as lemons, amla, and tomatoes. Consider loading your diet with turmeric, Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids to help you stay healthy.
Patients with pre-existing respiratory problems must keep emergency solutions, medications and other health kits handy during these times.
If anyone experiences persistent coughing, wheezing or breathlessness, then consider visiting your doctor immediately.
If you are looking for a high quality respiratory solution, then Sanrai is the right place. We offer effective, reliable and FDA-approved respiratory solutions to help you breathe better.
Make Diwali better for you and your loved ones by giving up on firecrackers. Make your respiratory health your biggest priority and breathe better with the most advanced solution and assistance you need with Sanrai.
