Diwali festival brings Diya decoration, Diwali gifts, and Diwali lights besides congesting air pollution which reaches its highest levels adversely affecting the air quality index.
As the world fights the adversaries of the worst public health crisis-Covid-19 pandemic, the festival of lights this year will be low-key. Respiratory disease specialists have shared their concerns about the rising smoke levels from busting the crackers. The effects of air pollution post-Diwali will be the highest among those who have already had Covid, or suffer from other respiratory diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).
Diwali Festival: Causes of Air Pollution
The pandemic has further raised concerns about bursting crackers, which may be a medium for SARS-Cov 2 spread. Firecrackers produce aerosols (fine air particles) that remain suspended as liquid droplets. No wonder that a lot of governments across the country have banned the sale and use of firecrackers for Deepawali and promote eco-friendly Diwali 2020.
Medical fraternity views that it won’t be just firecrackers but the burning of dry autumn leaves and municipal waste that should be avoided during these dry winter months. These activities may directly cause a downward spike in air quality index, rising air pollution levels that may aggravate allergic troubles.
Covid-19 and Air Quality Index
Carbon particles from dry leaves fumes, and chemical vapors from firecrackers could severely lead to an allergic reaction. These vapour particles and poisonous gases like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds could result in acute respiratory distress among the elderly, especially those who have pre-existing diseases like respiratory allergies.
Compromised immunity increases the possibility of developing itchiness, puffy eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, redness, or watery eyes. Occasionally, it may also lead to hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
Celebrating Eco-Friendly Diwali
Banned firecrackers contain dangerous chemicals. The common ingredients include barium, lead, lithium, and arsenic. A green alternative, eco-friendly crackers reduce dust and smoke levels by 20% and sulphur oxide, nitrous oxide emissions by 20%.
the Green cracker’s being tested for their color, smoke, brightness carries Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR), Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL), and Safe Water Releaser (SWAS) benchmarks.
This Diwali, let’s all look forward to a green Diwali and refrain from busting firecrackers or burning dry leaves.
Safe Green Diwali Tips
- Say No to Sanitizers before lighting Diwali Diya and Diwali lamps
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are highly inflammable, they can cause fire hazards. Refrain from using hand sanitizer before you light the Diwali Diya and Diwali candles.
- Carry your Facemask wherever you go
Facemasks are one of the tried and tested ways that can control the spread of Covid-19. Till we have a vaccination it is significant to be responsible. Wear facemasks even when we do Diwali decorations and greet friends and relatives.
- Follow Social Distancing
Though Diwali is all about spreading the message of light and warmth all around but let’s all understand that this Deepavali is different. Along with face masks, social distancing should be, strictly followed. We must all adjust to the new normal and celebrate digital Diwali this year and avoid close groups, and social celebrations.
- Say No to eating Outside
Diwali is all about festive eating, which can be avoided this year. Though there is no proven fact that food can transmit Covid-19, however, it can cause stomach infections, like diarrhoea, food poising, and gastroenteritis, which can affect our immunity and overall health.
Instead of binge eating, prefer home-cooked traditional festival meals.
- Sanitizers must be kept away from Fire
The Covid-19 pandemic has made sanitizing bottles a common sight in the households, we all carry sanitizers. It must be known that because of the alcohol content in them, they are highly inflammable. Thus, to avoid fire accidents this Diwali keep your sanitiser bottles at a safe spot away from fire sources.
- Avoid Covid-19 assumptions
Though the recovery rate of Covid-19 has significantly risen, it does not mean that we all can be relaxed. The pandemic has affected people across the country, and it is very dangerous to assume that we cannot catch the infection if we meet family members and friends.
These careless assumptions are critical to our health and the wellbeing of our loved ones.
- Prefer Handwash over Sanitizers
We must refer frequent hand wash over sanitizers. Hand washes are safer and will protect us from surface contamination and the risk of catching fire.
- Indoor Diwali for the Elderly
Diwali is celebrated when the autumn and winter seasons collide. This causes a sharp increase in allergies and chills. The elderly have weak immunity and can severely catch a cold, allergies, or other gastro infections as discussed. Thus, this Diwali let the elderly of your home celebrate a happy Diwali from indoors on the virtual space.
Healthcare with Gigadocs
Diwali can increase the instances of respiratory infections, allergies, skin cracks, fire hazards, gastrointestinal infections especially among children, elderly, pregnant women, and immunosuppressants. Immunity can be severely compromised if timely treatment is not provided. For all the seasonal allergies, Diwali related fire hazards, gastrointestinal infections consult a digital doctor over a phone call of a video call on the Gigadocs practice management app.
Gigadocs lets you manage the complete healthcare of your family from the privacy of your home. Connect with the best digital doctors for diabetes, kidney ailments, pregnancy care, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases.
Download the Gigadocs app-
- IOS App – apple.co/2W2iG4V
- Android App – bit.ly/33AQoRC
To know more e-mail, at info@gigadocs.com
