Diwali Fireworks For Few Seconds Must Not Cause A Lifetime Of Damage

While fireworks are an integral part of festive celebrations, exposure to sparks, chemical particles and smoke can pose significant health risks. Medical experts caution that the consequences can range from temporary eye irritation and breathing discomfort to serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Children, senior citizens and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions need to be particularly careful.

Highlighting the risks of firecracker-related eye injuries, * Dr. Madhuri Patil, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar* said, " Firecracker injuries can cause anything from minor eye irritation to severe damage to the cornea and other delicate structures of the eye, potentially resulting in permanent vision loss. Flying sparks, explosive particles, and chemical substances can cause serious trauma, and even an injury that initially appears minor should never be ignored. People must avoid rubbing the affected eye, applying home remedies, or attempting to remove embedded particles. In cases of chemical exposure, the eye should be gently rinsed with clean running drinking RO water, followed by immediate medical attention. When an object is embedded or a penetrating injury is suspected, the eye should be protected without applying pressure, and emergency care must be sought immediately. _"

Apart from physical injuries, doctors are also concerned about the impact of firecracker smoke on respiratory health. The smoke released during fireworks contains airborne particulate matter and other pollutants that can irritate the respiratory tract and aggravate existing conditions such as asthma and COPD. Senior citizens, young children, and individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses are particularly vulnerable to breathing difficulties during periods of heavy pollution.

" Firecracker smoke can significantly aggravate respiratory conditions, particularly among people with asthma and COPD. Exposure to smoke and fine particulate matter can trigger coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathing difficulties. We advise people with existing respiratory conditions to minimise outdoor exposure during peak firecracker hours, stay away from areas with dense smoke and keep their prescribed inhalers and emergency medication readily accessible. Anyone experiencing persistent breathlessness or severe respiratory discomfort should seek immediate medical attention rather than attempting to manage the symptoms on their own," added Dr. E. Ravindra Reddy, Sr. Consultant Pulmonologist at Kamineni Hospitals, LB Magar.

Doctors at Kamineni Hospitals recommend that people maintain a safe distance while lighting or watching fireworks, avoid holding firecrackers in their hands and never attempt to relight fireworks that have failed to explode. Children should always be under adult supervision, and fireworks should be handled in open spaces away from buildings, vehicles, gas cylinders and other flammable materials. Appropriate protective eyewear can help reduce the risk of eye injuries while handling fireworks.

People with asthma and other respiratory conditions should avoid areas with heavy smoke and remain indoors during peak firecracker activity wherever possible. They should continue their prescribed treatment and keep their medication within reach. Families are also advised to keep water and basic first-aid supplies available to deal with accidental burns or other emergencies.

Doctors emphasise that timely medical intervention is critical in the event of an accident. Eye injuries, burns and breathing difficulties should not be dismissed as minor festival-related incidents. Rubbing an injured eye, applying unverified home remedies or attempting to remove foreign objects can worsen the injury. Similarly, people experiencing significant breathing difficulty should be moved away from smoke and taken for emergency medical evaluation.

* Maintain a safe distance while lighting or watching fireworks

* Never hold a lit firecracker in your hand or attempt to relight a firecracker that has failed to explode

* Wear appropriate protective eyewear while handling fireworks

* Keep children under close adult supervision

* Never rub an injured eye or attempt to remove embedded particles

* Do not apply turmeric, creams, or other home remedies to burns or eye injuries

* Avoid standing close to areas with dense firecracker smoke

* People with asthma and COPD should minimise outdoor exposure during peak firecracker hours

* Keep prescribed inhalers and other emergency medication within reach

* Follow prescribed treatment plans and avoid self-medication

* Seek medical attention if breathing difficulties persist or worsen

* Purchase fireworks only from authorised sellers

* Light fireworks in open spaces, away from buildings, vehicles, and combustible materials

* Never ignite fireworks near gas cylinders, petrol or other flammable substances

* Keep children away from firecrackers and ensure responsible adult supervision

* Keep water and basic first-aid supplies readily available.