Hyderabad: The argument that the smoke from crackers and fireworks kills mosquitoes is like burning the bed to get rid of bed bugs. Smoke from crackers irritates the lungs, and the worst affected are asthma patients and those suffering from respiratory issues. Smoke contains ultra minute particles, which are so small that when inhaled, they can penetrate deep into the lungs.
"Smoke from firecrackers does have a fatal effect on small nocturnal insects, including mosquitoes, but it also causes respiratory allergies leading to bronchitis in human beings. Nocturnal insects have multiple small air openings all through their body and the smoke gets in, causing fatal damage. So smoke kills mosquitoes but concurrently causes damage to the respiratory tract of humans," says Dr C Srinivasulu, assistant professor of zoology.
Unlike some other kinds smoke, the smoke from firecrackers is chemical based. “Metallic particles in the smoke are bio reactive and can affect human lungs and eyes. The different co-lours and effects produced in the cracker displays are due to metals added to the gunpowder and may cause temporary skin damage too,” says pulmonologist Dr Hari Krishna.
He explains that when a firecracker display takes place it releases a lot of smoke, liberating minute metallic particles that are small enough to be inhaled deeply into the lungs. Asthma patients and those with cardiovascular diseases are the worst affected, and pollutants damage the respiratory tract.
