Do we need restrictions on Diwali?

Environment friendliness is the last thing one can think of on Diwali night, barring the few exceptions, of course. The next day, we have all the brilliant news channels giving their analysis of how much better or worse the air was polluted this year as against the previous years.

Even with so much emphasis on global-warming and the environmental hazards, many would simply not take heed.. Here's some details on what problems the chemicals used in the fire-crackers can cause--

• Copper: Irritation of respiratory tract
• Cadmuim: Anemia and damage to kidney
• Lead: Affects the nervous system
• Magnesium: Dust and fumes cause metal fume fever
• Sodium: Reacts violently with moisture and can attack the skin.
• Zinc: Leads to vomiting
• Nitrate: Could lead to mental impairment
• Nitrite: Could lead to coma

In the US and European countries, I hear they have strict laws on usage of Fire-Crackers. People are allowed to use fire-crackers only on Independence days. 'We're actually lucky to be Indians', we get to use fire crackers for the smallest of celebrations if we want to.. Guess the authorities need to give this a fair bit of thought about restrictions on Diwali... no religion here.. only scientific reasons!

Friends who're reading this... Go Green! Say no to explosives this Diwali.. Happy Diwali!