Nagpur: Doctors have called for a complete ban on crackers, and also appealed to citizens not to take up the annual painting and dusting of homes ahead of Diwali. They warn this could have adverse impact on the health of currently infected as well as recovered Covid-19 patients.
Doctors said each year they issue common guidelines to all their patients, to avoid burning crackers as far as possible and not dust or paint their homes. But this time, they said, it can’t be left to an individual’s preference as the entire society is reeling under Covid threat.
“This Diwali is not a routine festival. Covid pandemic has left many survivors with lung fibrosis. They already have issues with oxygen saturation level maintenance. Hence, it is prudent to restrain ourselves from bursting firecrackers for their health and also for others who may get Covid infection in future,” OCHRI director Dr Anup Marar said.
Pulmonogist Dr Ashok Arbat said the local administration must impose a complete ban on bursting of crackers if it really wants to ensure the pandemic remains under control. “This move too is sought for Covid treatment. If people don’t use mask, maintain distance and hand hygiene, Covid will spread. Similarly, air pollution will spur Covid,” he said.
GMCH professor of pulmonary medicine and department head Dr Sushant Meshram called for extensive campaigns before imposing stringent action. “Like use of face mask, administration must create awareness about ill effects of air pollution from crackers. At the same time, citizens can exercise restrain in the wake of Covid-19. Yet, if people don’t listen then stringent action is needed,” Dr Meshram said.
GMCH medical superintendent Dr Avinash Gawande feels alternatives must be found to celebrate. “It is high time we changed the way we celebrate. The air quality is worsening and crackers would further make it bad. Instead, distribution of sweets can be taken up, lighting natural diyas rather than electric ones etc,” he said.
Dr Arbat and Dr Marar also touched upon the social and spiritual aspects of the festival. “Let us light diyas and brighten our souls. This pandemic has also led to ‘diwala’ of many. Splurging money on firecrackers may cause further anguish to people in financial crisis. Let us share their sorrow and pray to almighty by simply lighting diyas for removal of this Covid scourge from the face of earth,” Dr Marar said.
Dr Arbat said places of worships are closed to prevent Covid-19. “Likewise, crackers are not necessary. We are telling our patients not to burn crackers but if others do, it will complicate health of many. The city has lots of recovered Covid patients as well as vulnerable individuals in every other home,” he said.
IGGMCH professor and head of pulmonology medicine Dr Radha Munje said crackers are not only harmful for Covid patient but also common man. “Top authorities too have appealed and asked us to request everyone to not burn crackers. People must understand that everyone is going to suffer due to air pollution in Covid times,” she said.
Dr Gawande said not just air pollution, noise pollution causes hearing loss and heart attack while physical contact leads to burns. “Smoke from crackers is risk factor for asthmatics too,” he said.