PGI issues advisory on firecrackers

PGI doctors said that packaging, gift wraps around firecrackers should be avoided. “Pay very close attention to where your fireworks are aimed. Avoid homes, garages, dry brush or grass, and anything that might hurt someone or their property,” it said.

The PGI on Tuesday issued an advisory asking the public to avoid bursting fire crackers to minimise the impact on environment and health. A statement issued by the Institute’s School of Public Health, said, “Traditionally, Diwali was celebrated by lighting earthen lamps signifying the triumph of good over evil. The present scenario is totally different. It is celebrated by bursting crackers which add toxins to the already polluted atmosphere.”

“For most people nowadays, festivals mean louder the noise, greater the thrill. By doing so they often forget that the temporary joy and happiness leads to intense hazardous air as well as noise pollution,” the statement quoted Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Associate Professor of Environment Health, School of Public Health, PGI as saying. The statement further added, “There is an upward trend of patients with firecracker-related injuries around Diwali in hospitals. Hence, it is high time to think and act on reducing the detrimental indulgence of fireworks on our environment and health.”

“Know your fireworks. Read the label before you ignite it. Buy perchlorate-free fireworks and use air-launch technology, which utilises compressed air to launch the fireworks instead of gunpowder, in combination with fireworks with low-gunpowder formulations,” the advisory said. According to PGI, all accidents/mishaps due to fireworks occur as a result of carelessness, negligence and ignorance. “But these can be avoided by following the helpful ways to reduce any potential hazard of fireworks,” the PGI statement stated.

PGI doctors said that packaging, gift wraps around firecrackers should be avoided. “Pay very close attention to where your fireworks are aimed. Avoid homes, garages, dry brush or grass, and anything that might hurt someone or their property,” it said.