A study carried out by Chest Research Foundation (CRF) has revealed that the burning of firecrackers increases the level of sulphur dioxide 200-fold above the safety limits prescribed by World Health Organisation (WHO). The study highlighted the burning of crackers can worsen the condition of patients with respiratory ailments. Pulmonary specialists in Mumbai are now advising patients to be cautious.
“We had installed an equipment to measure the level of the toxic gases before and after Diwali in Kothrud in Pune last year. It was found that the level of sulphur dioxide increased from a little over zero to five parts per million. This year, we are trying to meaure it in Mumbai,” said Dr Monika Barne, project in-charge of the study.
Dr Sujeet Rajan, consultant chest physician at Bombay Hospital, said, “Over the last few years, we have seen increasing cases of asthma and COPD requiring emergency hospitalisation. I am sure that the levels of sulphur dioxide will be compounded multiple times in Mumbai as compared to Pune.”
He said a lot of fresh patients, without any prior history of respiratory ailments, may also have wheezing and breathlessness problems post Diwali. Such a trend, says Dr Rajan, is especially prevalent in pediatric cases. He advises moderate use of firecrackers and preventive medication. Opthalmologists in the city are also cautioning children in particular. “Every year, we see 10-12 chidlren losing their eyesight post Diwali beacuse of firecrackers,” said Dr TP Lahane, ophthalmologist and dean of JJ Hospital, Byculla.
Source: Indian Express, 4-11-2010
“We had installed an equipment to measure the level of the toxic gases before and after Diwali in Kothrud in Pune last year. It was found that the level of sulphur dioxide increased from a little over zero to five parts per million. This year, we are trying to meaure it in Mumbai,” said Dr Monika Barne, project in-charge of the study.
Dr Sujeet Rajan, consultant chest physician at Bombay Hospital, said, “Over the last few years, we have seen increasing cases of asthma and COPD requiring emergency hospitalisation. I am sure that the levels of sulphur dioxide will be compounded multiple times in Mumbai as compared to Pune.”
He said a lot of fresh patients, without any prior history of respiratory ailments, may also have wheezing and breathlessness problems post Diwali. Such a trend, says Dr Rajan, is especially prevalent in pediatric cases. He advises moderate use of firecrackers and preventive medication. Opthalmologists in the city are also cautioning children in particular. “Every year, we see 10-12 chidlren losing their eyesight post Diwali beacuse of firecrackers,” said Dr TP Lahane, ophthalmologist and dean of JJ Hospital, Byculla.
Source: Indian Express, 4-11-2010
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