Children need to be very careful while using firecrackers as a little carelessness could cause serious burn injuries. On the day of Diwali the cracker induced medical emergency cases are reported in big numbers in all the hospitals.
The injury to eye is the most common form of damage caused by the careless bursting of crackers. In the Doon hospital alone 20-25 cases of eye injury are normally reported on the day of Diwali. Renowned ophthalmologist, Dr BC Ramola told The Pioneer that thermal and mechanical injuries are caused by the crackers and apart from them the Ultra violet light emitted from them also causes damage to the eyes. "The eye is needed to be protected very carefully. It is just like a balloon filled with water. I suggest that the crackers should be shunned alltogeher for the sake of health and environment but if the children insist the parents should ensure that the crackers are burst in their presence and with all necessary care," he said. Apart from damaging the eyes the firecrackers are causative agents of burn injuries.
The skin specialist posted in Doon hospital, Dr Mohammad Sadik Umar told The Pioneer that one should wear full sleeved cotton clothes while bursting the crackers and children below ten years of age should not be allowed to burst them. He suggested that a long incense stick should be used to light the crackers so that a safe distance is maintained.