Festival of Air and Noise Pollution

There are numerous types of festivals in the world. Though many have religious origins, others involve seasonal changes or have some cultural significance. Almost every month some festival or the other is celebrated which adds color to our lives. Every festival has an important part in the life of different people belonging to different communities of India. Crackers hold a fascination for both young and old alike. Crackers of varied colors and sounds fill the skies heralding India’s favorite festival. But these crackers spoil our environment by causing noise and air pollution and also affect our health. The smoke of fireworks consists mainly of fine toxic dusts and chemicals that easily enter the lungs and presents a danger for those already sick as well as for the healthy.

Asthma patients beware

Asthma patients staying in congested localities are more likely to suffer as the smoke generated by fire crackers does not disperse easily. If you or your family member suffers from breathing problems, then it’s time to start taking precautions.

• People should avoid bursting crackers in the building compounds, narrow lanes and congested areas.

• Keeping inhalers handy and avoiding direct exposure to the smoke can help reduce the risk.

• People with breathing diseases should stay indoor to avoid inhaling smoke from outside.

• People suffering from asthma can increase medication and should immediately approach the doctor if the problem aggravates.

• People who suffer from illnesses of the respiratory system and have circulation problems must be advised to avoid highly polluted areas and avoid sudden temperature change.

• Don’t light crackers inside the house. Use open grounds to light fireworks – never light them in balconies or near buildings.

Precautions against Noise pollution

The use of fire crackers during the festive season of Dussehra and Diwali pose health hazards causing noise and air pollution.  Noise pollution can cause hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart attack and sleep disturbances. Following precautions can be taken during the festive season Diwali.

• Crackers producing noise should not be burst between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

• Crackers which bear the Supreme Court instructions and noise pollution levels alone should be purchased.

• Wear earplugs when going to rock concerts or fireworks exhibits. Earplugs, properly worn, can reduce noise by 15 to 30 decibels.

• Prohibit setting of crackers in the silence zones (that is the areas within 100 meters of hospitals, educational institutions, courts and religious places).

• Spread awareness about the noise and air pollution that they cause.

• In case of ear trauma, it is advisable not to instill any eardrop, nor try to clean the ear by oneself or by untrained personnel.

• Ban fire-crackers with a decibel level of more than 100 at a distance of 4 meters from the bursting point.

• Protect your children by avoiding loud noise. Minor damage at a young age can lead to major hearing loss.

• Noise from a firecracker, even at what might seem to be a safe distance, can lead to hearing loss in just minutes. Hearing loss comes with side effects such as balance problems, permanent ringing in the ears and headaches.

• Apart from the air and noise pollution, the streets are littered with paper. Organize Neighborhood Cleanup programs or events to keep our environment clean.

• Please refrain from buying fire crackers which exceeded prescribed noise limit.

• People should make this festival clean, green and healthy

• Help apartment owners to plan a ‘No Crackers’ campaign to reach out to the whole community.

Crackers cause tremendous air and noise pollution, trouble animals and senior citizens, and result in fatal accidents. It causes an uncomfortable feeling to the sick, pregnant, senior citizens and infants. It affects them physically and mentally. There are many others methods through which we can celebrate our festivals. Pledge a“cracker-free Diwali” and motivate your friends and relatives to promote ‘No Crackers’ campaign and save the environment. We should celebrate our festivals by lighting Diyas, decorating with flowers and distributing sweets, gifts and by spreading happiness.