DIWALI…..SAFE CELEBRATIONS!!
While enjoying the happy moments of Diwali, most people tend to overlook some important things that may prove disastrous for their health. Bright fireworks and zooming rockets may well prove to be hazardous if not handled carefully. Adults often do not supervise children, and such practices are very risky. Most of these injuries occur among preschool-age children.
“The incidence of eye injuries caused by fire crackers rises dramatically on Diwali days because of so many new and unfamiliar firecrackers entering the market every year, which in turn have turned this beautiful festival into a nightmare for some families. Last Diwali we had 3-4 emergency cases in our private hospital alone from well-educated families and I am sure that there must have been many more in other hospitals of this city as well. Children are the most affected ones. This year even before the Diwali has started we have already treated two children”, said ophthalmologist Dr Anand Shroff of Shroff Eye Hospital, Bandra.
Why are Fireworks dangerous?
- Sparklers are one of the major causes of firework injuries requiring hospitalisation. Sparklers are dangerous because they burn at a temperature hot enough to melt gold (1,800° F).
- Most fireworks contain gunpowder, which causes these devices to explode. Because fireworks are unpredictable, injuries can occur even if the person is careful or is under supervision.
- Bottle rockets are among the most dangerous fireworks available today. They account for the majority of all fireworks injuries that lead to permanent eye damage.
Some Statistics
- Nearly 40 percent of fireworks injuries are to bystanders.
- Four out of every five fireworks injuries happen to males.
- Men between the ages of 22-44 and boys ages 12-14 are the most common victims.
- Bottle rockets can move as fast as 200 miles per hour, explode in mid air and fly in any direction hence very dangerous.
- The cost of treating a fireworks injury far outweighs the cost of a single fireworks package, which is on an average about Rs 40.
- Pollution levels rise by about six to 10 per cent during Diwali, with nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide levels rising considerably.
Most of the eye injuries may result into permanent visual loss and force a person to live a visually handicapped life, while in fact such injuries are largely preventable and avoidable. The constant smoke can cause irritability and watering of eyes.
PREVENTION
- Adults must supervise children at all times
- Do not use unfamiliar fire crackers
- Wear protective eye wear
- Practise safety while lighting crackers do not try to be foolishly daring
| FIRST-AID FOR INJURIES |
EYE INJURY:
• Do not rub your eyes.
• Use the corner of a soft clean cloth to draw particles out, or hold the eyelids open and flush the eyes continuously with water.
• If a particle is large or stuck in the eye, do not attempt to remove it.
• Keep eyes closed and go to the eye doctor immediately.
•If there is any chemical that has entered the eyes, immediately irrigate the eyes and under the eyelids, with water, for 30 minutes.
Seek an eye doctor immediately
BURNS:
• Rinse the burnt area, without scrubbing it, and immerse it in cold water; do not use ice water.
• Blot the area dry and cover it using sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
• If chemical burn then flush the exposed area with cool water immediately for 15 to 20 minutes |
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