Dr. H. R. *
and feasting on sweetmeats, festivities involve bursting of crackers and playing with sparklers during the entire span of 3-5 days, usually between mid-October and mid-November.
Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM), Oxides of Nitrogen and Sulphur Dioxide levels in the atmosphere which indicate air quality almost double and sometimes treble during Diwali. Added to this, falling temperature and wind velocity during these days slows down pollutant dispersal and further ups the levels of pollutants. This in turn is enough to cause respiratory distress to even otherwise healthy individuals, forget the asthmatics who usually suffer the most when air pollution increases. Heavy smog hangs low in the air on night and a few days after that.
85 decibels but the sounds of crackers exceed 140 decibels. The number of noisy crackers is usually more in which causes a lot of discomfort to heart patients and the elderly. Noise pollution can cause hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart attack and sleep disturbances. Hence, Crackers should not be burst outside hospitals, old age homes and residences of heart patients.
is phenomenal. Approximately 4,000-8000 additional metric tonnes of garbage are released in each metropolis during celebrations. And this garbage is extremely hazardous for the environment as it comprises of chemicals like phosphorous, sulphur and potassium chlorate, and tonnes of burnt paper. Many people get injured in fire accidents caused by the crackers every year. Most of the victims are children in the age group of 8-16.
can be made safer and happier if certain precautions are taken during celebrations. To mention few, crackers producing noise should not be burst between 10 PM. and 6 A.M; crackers which bear the Supreme Court instructions and noise pollution levels alone should be purchased; prohibit use of crackers in areas within 100 meters of hospitals, educational institutions, courts and religious places) awareness about the noise and air pollution that they cause; protect your children by avoiding loud noise. Minor damage at a young age can lead to major hearing loss and refrain from buying fire crackers which exceed prescribed noise limit.
, distributing sweets, gifts, through which we can celebrate our festivals. is a festival to enjoy and celebrate, but we should not celebrate it at the cost of someone else’s ill-health and discomfort. No doubt, these days awareness with regards to pollution is on the rise and cracker sales are coming down, but let’s pledge “cracker-free â€