HARMFUL EFFECTS OF FIRECRACKERS

COME DIWALI and one can hear the sounds of firecrackers exploding from all directions.
People of all age groups are fascinated with firecrackers, which form a prominent part of
the Diwali celebrations. Firecrackers are known to cause air pollution as well as noise
pollution and are extremely harmful for senior citizens and small children.

Pets such as dogs and cats also suffer on account of firecrackers as animals have a more
sensitive sense of hearing than humans. It is important for each one of us to act as
responsible citizens and discourage the use of firecrackers.

Firecrackers can cause hearing loss, high blood pressure, sleeping disturbances and
sudden exposure to loud noise can cause temporary or permanent deafness or even
result in heart attack. Nausea and mental impairment are also some of the side effects of
firecrackers.

Karuna Mehta an environmental activist says, “Firecrackers should be banned as they

cause a number of health hazards. People come down with all sorts of respiratory
problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Air and noise pollution are also the side effects
of firecrackers that are responsible for various injuries. The smog that is created on
Diwali is responsible for a number of accidents due to reduced visibility.”

According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a non-profit

organization, awareness should be created for the masses. People need to understand
that bursting firecrackers is not trendy anymore. It is important for the government to
organize anti-firecracker campaigns and discourage people from bursting firecrackers.
Parents as well as children should be educated on the harmful effects of firecrackers and
environmental laws should be implemented strictly.

Observing that the ‘Right to Sleep’ is a fundamental right, the government of India has
banned firecrackers between 10 pm and 6 am, on Diwali. The effect of this ban has been
very positive and the sale of firecrackers has considerably gone down.

Anita Pal, a schoolteacher says, “It is important for children to understand that bursting
crackers is harmful. We educate children before Diwali and discourage them from
bursting firecrackers. We also ask them to educate their parents and relatives on the
harmful effects of firecrackers as well as the dangers accompanying them.”

Diwali is the biggest festival of India and its sanctity should not be blown away in smoke.
This festival of goodwill can be celebrated in a number of ways other than bursting
firecrackers.

Kanchan Chadha, a housewife says, “My family will be celebrating Diwali by having a get
together. We will cook a special Diwali cuisine and distribute gifts. I want my children to
learn to appreciate the beauty of the festival and not waste their time and money in
bursting firecrackers. We will of course light diyas and candles on Diwali.”

Arjun Khurana, businessman says, “I have told my kids to refrain from bursting
firecrackers this Diwali. We will be going out to watch Saanwariya this Diwali as a treat. I
am unable to spend quality time with my family and see Diwali as an opportunity to
make up for the whole year.”
The Central Pollution Board of India has banned firecrackers with a decibel level of more
than 125 at a distance of 4 meters from the bursting point. There has also been a
considerable effort to do away with the infamous 1000 chain bombs.