Diwali is a festival of celebration, but it comes along with a terrible increase in pollution levels and an increase in health and breathing problems, especially for the elderly, and asthmatic patients. Unfortunately, shutting yourself indoors does not help as the pollution is at such high-levels during Diwali that being indoors is of no help.
Why are The Harmful Effects of Burning Crackers?
- Air Pollution: The smoke produced by burning crackers settles in the atmosphere; also known as smog. It can cause a reduction in visibility and trouble in breathing.
- Fire Hazards: Sometimes, sky shots and rockets set fire to houses and heaps of dry grass.
- Noise Pollution: Firecrackers make more noise than allowed by The Central Pollution Control Board of India. These firecrackers can even cause loss of hearing temporarily or in some cases, permanently.
“Did you Know? The Central Pollution Control Board of India has banned the burning of firecrackers with a decibel level of more than 125 at a distance of 4mts from the bursting point.”
Here is a list of what you can do to keep yourself safe from pollution during Diwali.
- Avoid burning firecrackers The maximum pollution during Diwali is caused by firecrackers. They release harmful toxins in the air that makes it unbreathable. Intake of these harmful toxins and gases can lead to dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and coughing. So, avoid burning firecrackers for the sake of yourself, the people around you, and most importantly the planet.
- Use Diyas over electricity Nowadays, there are several alternatives to light-up your house that are biodegradable and cost-effective. You don’t need to put up light bulbs all over the house. This Diwali, switch to the traditional way, where people used diyas and earthen lamps for festive decor.
- Clean Up Your Mess Burning crackers and leaving the roads filled with garbage compiling paper and plastic is very easy. It is imperative that people start taking initiatives to clean their surroundings. You should avoid burning firecrackers in the first place, but if you can’t, make sure to clean the roads and clean up the mess caused. This reduces the level of pollution caused by waste.
- Use Green Crackers Remember the day after Diwali? Remember that black sky filled with pollution and smoke? You can avoid that by using green crackers. Regular firecrackers cause adverse effects of air pollution, the particles settle in the atmosphere and cause difficulty in breathing. Using green crackers reduces particulate matters and harmful gases by 30-35%.
Think Safe, Act Safe, Be Safe
Burning crackers has the most adverse effect on the environment and on the health of people around. Therefore, it is a humble request to every single person reading this: avoid burning fire crackers this Diwali or on any other special occasion. It is equivalent to burning money. You can celebrate this auspicious day by getting together with your families and friends, sharing light and warm moments with them. So, why pollute the environment? Enjoy this festival and protect your loved ones.
Wishing all a Happy Diwali! A Safe Diwali!
