Pollutants can worsen the health conditions of a Covid-positive person: Odisha government (representation)
Bhubaneswar:
Given the potentially harmful consequences of burning crackers amid the Covid-19 pandemic situation and with the approach of winter, the Odisha government banned the sale and use of firecrackers from 10 to November 30 in the public interest.
“In some areas of our country and around the world, where appropriate Covid-19 behaviors have not been strictly observed, the upsurge in Covid-19 infection has been observed. A number of countries around the world have been forced to reimpose lockdowns and other extreme measures to contain the resurgence and spread of the disease. International experience shows that the next winter season could see the spread of the pandemic continue, ”said Odisha’s government.
“It is generally observed that the elderly, children, people with co-morbidities and others develop respiratory problems during winter. In addition, air pollution, a higher concentration of airborne particles (PMS) in the air worsens respiratory problems, ”he added.
Odisha’s government further stated, “It is well known that the burning of firecrackers releases large amounts of harmful chemicals like nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc., which have a severe impact on the respiratory health of vulnerable groups. These pollutants can further worsen the health conditions of people living with Covid-19 in addition to people isolated at home. “
The state government further stated that it had banned the sale and use of firecrackers during the aforementioned period in the public interest. He added that Deepavali, the festival of lights, could be celebrated in a traditional way by lighting earthen lamps (Mati Deepa / Diya), candles and other traditional lighting materials.
