Everything is being done with a lot of enthusiasm, but, we often forget about the smog that has already started accumulating in our environment. Do you know that Carbon Monoxide that releases from burnt crackers accumulate in our blood 220 times more strongly than the Oxygen we breathe?

On the occasion of Diwali, here we have gathered some facts on the pollutants that are released from bursting crackers and their effect. Read on:

Various pollutants released on Diwali celebrations:

Sulphur dioxide

The cause of acid rain is highly dangerous for the environment and human beings. It is soluble and dissolves in the larger airways of respiratory system. Higher concentrations of Sulphur Dioxide can restrict the breathing process. It can also cause eye irritation, asthma and heart failure.

Nitrogen dioxide

Long-term Nitrogen dioxide exposure may decrease lung functionality and increase the risk of respiratory diseases' symptoms. People with asthma and children in general are considered to be more vulnerable to Nitrogen dioxide's exposure

Carbon monoxide

CO is a toxic gas that causes harm by binding with haemoglobin in our blood (220 times more strongly than oxygen). The tied-up haemoglobin, thus, cannot serve its normal function to transport oxygen in the blood. Due to thism various parts of the body suffer oxygen deprivation.

Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is the major source of organic carbon in the biosphere. Carbon does not affect the human beings but high concentration of it in the atmosphere can add up to global warming.

Some facts on Diwali Pollution:

• In the year 2012, the pollution level in some capital cities were at frightening levels even before Diwali. Just 11 days before the festival, some capitals were already covered in a thick blanket of Smog due to the suspended pollutants in the air. According to the WHO, in 2012, around 7 million people died of Air pollution

• In the year 1997, it was observed that crackers had caused deaths of 383 people in the city

• It takes a lot of time for the harmful gases to go away

• Air pollution goes up by 30 percent during Diwali

• Other highly toxic heavy metals like Cadmium and Lead, in addition to other metals like Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Sodium, Magnesium, and Potassium are the main constituents in firecrackers

• The increase in level of suspended particles in the air causes eye, throat and nose problems

• Chronic Pulmonary Diseases such as Bronchitis and Asthma get aggravated by high concentration of suspended particulate matter

• Crackers create high decibel (a degree of loudness) sound and most people feel numbness in the ears after bursting crackers which can make them deaf

• Crackers just add to the existing problem of garbage disposal in India

• During Diwali, people have 20 percent higher risk of death from lung cancer

• Pets such as dogs and cats also suffer on account of the noise produced by the firecrackers as animals have a more sensitive sense of hearing than humans

• Some poor kids too are involved with the making of fire crackers. Exposure to chemicals such as carbon monoxide, sulphur, nitrogen, lead, cadmium etc can be very harmful to them.

In spite of several warnings that are issued every year, many cities witness the accumulation of smog just few days before the most-loved festival. The celebration is only for a day but the harmful effects can stretch for a longer period of time.

Bursting crackers is not trendy anymore, saving environment from pollution is! Have a safe and pollution free Diwali. Happy Diwali!