Firecrackers, smog can cause severe respiratory problems; experts
As per a medical Research, air pollution is bound to have an adverse impact on Covid-19 infection. More the people are exposed to increased air pollution, the more is the risk of corona virus transmission. Patients with pr-existing allergies are at higher risk in particular as air pollutants aggravate allergies. Consequently, stepping out even for the shortest duration can cause headache, nausea, breathlessness, burning in eyes etc. “
Dr. Sachin Verma, diabetes and infectious disease specialist at Ivy Hospital, Mohali said that with the arrival of much-awaited Diwali, the fear of carefree celebrations may again spike Covid-19 cases as people, their family members and friends tend to gather in crowds for celebrations. People from all age groups should avoid physical meetings instead should utilise virtual space for meeting families and friends, he opined.
Dr Suresh Goyal, senior consultant of pulmonary and sleep medicine at Ivy asserted that air pollution caused by firecrackers and smog can cause serious health problems like asthma, bronchitis, common cold pneumonia , laryngitis. Radioactive and poisonous elements used to produce colour when crackers are burned . Fireworks can be loud and can exceed 140 decibels which is much above standard level of 60 decibels which can causes hearing loss, rupture of ear drum,severe ear pain , sleep disturbances and high blood pressure . Needless to say firecrackers can causes burn and serious injuries especially among children and small kids, he maintained.
Firecrackers, smog can cause severe respiratory problems; experts
Preventive measures to be taken during Diwali:
- Wear masks while stepping out even for short durations.
- Observing mandatory social distancing. Greeting without physical contact is important.
- If gathering is unavoidable make sure to gather in large, well-ventilated spaces.
- Allow proper ventilation by occasionally opening windows this will enable air to circulate through the house, keeping it fresh.
- Don’t use sanitizer before lighting diya/candles because sanitizers are alcohol based which can easily catch fire.
- Avoid morning walks and other outdoor activities for some time after Diwali due to the expected increase in smog.
- Increase intake of Vitamin C rich citrus fruits and foods that boost your immunity.
- Keep yourself hydrated because water is also important for flushing out the toxins out of body.
- Patients who have respiratory illness and have lately recovered from Covid-19 should keep their inhaler and medicines handy.
- Use of a few key ingredients, herbs and spice can also provide some relief from damaging effects of smog.
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