Pollution level during Diwali goes up by 30%
LUCKNOW: Smog continued to prevail in Lucknow for the 11th consecutive day on Sunday, and is likely to intensify in the next few days due to bursting of fire crackers during Diwali festivities. Already, the air pollution level of the city is more than twice the permissible limit. The air pollution is rising because of increase in the number of vehicles and diesel generators as well as increase in the dust particles due to rise in construction activities and bad conditions of roads.
Experts say that during Diwali, the air pollution level is likely to increase by 30%, which will not only be dangerous for those suffering from pulmonary diseases, but also cause breathing problem to others.
The smog is a combination of fog and smoke or other air pollutants. It is created when moisture level is high in the atmosphere. It does not allow the tiny particles of pollutants to dissipate, and instead tiny water droplets carrying fine particles of pollutants and dust remain suspended in the atmosphere. At present the speed of the wind is very low. As a result, the smog is virtually hanging in the atmosphere, resulting in hazy conditions. The authorities are aware of the fact that the pollution level are alarming in the city and the fire crackers will increase it further, but no action has been taken so far.
A recent survey conducted by Indian Institute of Toxicology Research reveals that the average values of PM10 in residential, commercial and industrial areas in the city are above the prescribed National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 100 g/m3. Particulate Matter (PM) is the term for solid and liquid particles in the air. The survey found that the average value of PM was 167.1g/m3, 230.9 g/m3 and 217.9 g/m3 respectively in residential, commercial and industrial areas. The noise levels during day and night in the residential and commercial areas were also found to be above the prescribed limit.
Regional Officer, UP Pollution Control Board, SK Mishra said that data shows that pollution level during Diwali increases at least by 30%. Experts also said that the crackers contain elements like copper, cadmium, sulphur, aluminium, barium and various others that help in releasing vibrant colours after it is ignited. Once a cracker is burnt, it releases toxic chemicals that remain suspended for long time causing serious health aliments.
The heavy metals remain in the atmosphere for long and then get oxidised before entering the food chain through vegetables.
City-based chest physician Dr Ashutosh Dubey said, "Gaseous air pollutants along with other toxic gases emitted due to burning of firecrackers aggravates the chance of attack among asthma Patients. The patients with heart disease, chronic bronchitis and low immune system are also at high risk." He added that while harmful smoke increase the chance of conjunctivitis, loud noise makes people's behaviour irritating. Besides, burn injuries are most common on the hands, eyes and face.
Similarly, ears, nose and throat specialist, Dr PP Chopra said that loud noise of crackers can damage eardrums. After a loud noise, most people feel numbness in ears for few seconds. Even loud and continuous noise can make a person deaf.
Dos and Don'ts:
Light firecrackers in an open area
Remove all inflammable articles before lighting firecrackers
Wear cotton clothes that fit close
Keep doors and windows closed to prevent stray firecrackers from entering
Always ensure the supervision of an adult around children playing with firecrackers
Maintain safe distance from the firecrackers while lighting them and dispose them safely to prevent burn accidents
Keep a bucket of water or sand and a blanket neat to extinguish fire
Pour water to douse fire
In case of minor burn, pour water till the sensation subsides
Do not hold firecrackers in hand while lighting them
