People urged to be careful while lighting crackers

Mumbai: As the city gears up for the festival of lights, doctors have urged people to be careful while bursting crackers. Civic authorities too are doing their best to educate people about precautionary measures. So also ophthalmologists in state-run hospitals have issued advisories on how to burst crackers in a safe manner.

Dr Sunil Keswani, secretary, trust-run National Burns Centre, said, “Women and children suffer the worst burns during Diwali celebrations and half of such incidents can be prevented by taking simple precautions. These burns can be disfiguring and sometimes, life-threatening as well. Therefore, it is important to educate people about ways to prevent such untoward incidents.”

The advisories state that mishaps can be avoided if elders are vigilant and supervise children while lighting crackers. In addition to burns, there can be loss of eyesight and bursting of eardrums during Diwali. Hence, elders and those lighting crackers should be careful.

Ophthalmologist of state-run J.J. Hospital, Dr T.P. Lahane told The Asian Age, “The festival of lights unfortunately ends in tragedies. Emergency services of most hospitals report a rise in cases of burns on these festive days.”

Last year, the casualty department of J.J. Hospital reported more than 100 burn injuries and 10 eye injuries on Diwali day alone.

NBC reported 26 cases of burn injuries last year and half of the patients admitted were women. Dr Keswani told this newspaper, “While the flower pot anar continued to be a major reason for cases of burns among children, women suffered injuries after their clothes caught fire from diyas.”

“Most burn injuries are caused by crackers affecting the hands, face, chest and eyes. You need to be cautious while lighting them,” said Dr Keswani. Meanwhile, BMC has started spreading awareness about celebrating Diwali in a peaceful and safe manner.

Dos and don’ts this diwali

Dos
Always light fireworks away from inflammable materials.
Keep an emergency first aid kit ready.
Light fireworks at arm’s length, standing back and keeping your face away.
Keep an eye on children while bursting crackers.

Donts
Do not wear silk, synthetic or flowing garments, as they are prone to catching fire quickly.
Light crackers inside the house is a bad idea.