Tips to ensure Deepavali celebrations remain safe and happy

Most fireworks injuries which occur during Deepavali season have a direct impact on the eyes and may be very serious. Even as people preserve tradition by celebrating with crackers, it is essential to take extra care while handling them.

While Deepavali is an occasion to indulge in sweets and buy new clothes, it is distinctly associated with two most essential elements — the diya and fireworks. Certainly, age is not a factor for bursting crackers and everyone loves fireworks. But even as you preserve tradition by celebrating with crackers, then it is essential to take extra care while handling them.

Most fireworks injuries which occur during this season have a direct impact on the eyes and may be very serious. A large number of ocular injuries are reported every year, mainly caused due to firecrackers. In fact, the eyes are the second most commonly affected area after the hands and fingers. Some of the common injuries are caused by sparklers and bombs along with ‘Chakra’ crackers which also cause eye injuries. Studies show that more than 50% of bystanders are also at high risk of sustaining eye injuries, as are passers by.

The severity of ocular injury can range from mild irritation and corneal abrasions to retinal complications and open globe injury leading to potential blindness. Chemical injuries are due to the chemicals in the gunpowder mixed in the crackers. Most fireworks contain gunpowder, which causes these devices to explode. Because fireworks explosions are unpredictable, injuries can occur even if the person is careful or is under supervision. 

Heavy smoke can cause irritability and watering of the eyes. Fumes, emanating from firecrackers, may also cause laryngitis and other throat infections. Sparklers are dangerous because they burn at a temperature hot enough to melt gold (1,800°F). Pollution levels are at peak during Diwali, with nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide levels rising considerably.

Also, noise pollution levels cross the permitted levels. Flowerpots and bursting crackers are packed with multiple small particles which travel at high speed that can cause damage to the tissues on impact.

Also Read | More light, less sound: On firecrackers and a festival of light 

Contact lenses may cause irritation to the eyes if exposed to direct heat for a long time. So people wearing contact lenses should be doubly cautious while bursting crackers. In a nutshell, the damage to the eye by a cracker depends on the velocity of the cracker or the intensity with which it hits the eye, chemical reaction in the eye and thermal burns.