Doctors issue guidelines for a safe Diwali

KOLKATA: The city doctors have issued some guidelines for people bursting or lighting crackers on Diwali.

Dr Sajal Biswas, a senior doctor from the city advised not to pour water or any ointment on any part of the body that receives burn injuries without consulting a doctor. According to the doctor, there are various chemicals in crackers and application of any ointment or water without taking advice of a physician may complicate the situation.

"If one pours water or apply ointment on a burn injury, the water or ointment may directly mix with the stem cells causing more damage. If anyone suffers an injury, he or she must consult a doctor immediately," Dr Biswas said.

He also advised people to hold crackers away from body and then lit them up so that they do not affect the eyes or skin. He also suggested keeping children away from the area where crackers are burst. The doctor also reminded that people must buy those crackers that carry tags of registered manufacturers.

"The people should wear cotton dresses while bursting crackers and they must not be of loose fitting and touch the ground. One should not wear a dress that covers his/her hands.

"Children must not be allowed to indulge in bursting of crackers as they are vulnerable. A burn injury of a lesser extent is a very common phenomenon during Diwali. People often put water on the burnt portion of the body which causes more damage," Dr Biswas added.

He further said one should avoid the smoke that is produced after bursting crackers. This type of smoke not only affects the respiratory system but also has a far reaching implication.

Dr Biswas also suggested wearing a mask to keep oneself safe from the pollution level that is caused due to the bursting of crackers.