Diwali is the time of the year when our nation’s children are on holiday and festivities are rampant. Sadly this fun time for children is also when firecrackers and fireworks are available in plenty. The word “firecrackers” evokes quite a bit of emotion and is often associated with great joy but one must realize that the chemical smoke and gases released from firecrackers can be regarded as a serious concern for the capacity of eyes for children.

It is shocking to know that mothers and fathers have been using firecrackers for this long despite it being scientifically proven to be a pollutant and one that can heavily damage children’s eyesight.

But now, as a parent, most people see things differently—firecracker smoke, while dazzling, risks young eyes and health. From choosing eco-friendly lights and indoor activities, ensuring a festive, safe celebration for your children’s well-being is important and necessary. Dr. Neeraj Sanduja, MBBS, MS - Ophthalmology, Ophthalmologist, Eye Surgeon shares all about the toxic effects of smoke from the firecrackers kids so lovingly enjoy bursting and how harmful they can be for their eyes.

Hazardous Effects of Firecracker Smoke

The smoke from firecrackers is a blend of toxic chemicals and fine particles, each carrying potential harm for the delicate tissues of the eyes. Here are some key pollutants present in firecracker smoke that pose specific dangers:

Particulate matter: These are the fumes exhaled from burning that are extremely small but can infiltrate deep into the lungs and eyes creating lesions and scars.

Sulfur dioxide & nitrogen oxides: These gasses emit acid rain, it's easy to comprehend how detrimental it is to the human body.

Heavy metals: If consumed through the skin lead arsenic or any other toxic metals emitted through firecrackers will inflict great damage.

Common Eye Conditions Linked to Firecracker Pollution in Children

Exposure to firecracker smoke can cause a range of immediate symptoms in children, as well as chronic eye problems that may not become apparent until much later. Children are at high risk of developing some symptoms upon exposure to firecracker smoke, and these include:

Red eye syndrome: Clinical eye examinations show that the eyes can be red and watery, as well as itchy due to the smoke's chemicals.

Eye pain: Another common complaint in children is a burning and stinging sensation in the eye areas.

Intolerance to light: The burning of firecrackers leads to the emission of smoke that can irritate the eyes and increase their sensitivity.

Corneal damage: Severe inflammation of the outer layer of the eyeball caused by exposure to smoke may be a more damaging injury caused than previously mentioned damages of the inner layer.

Long-Term Effects of Firecracker Smoke on Eye Health

While some eye issues may appear right after exposure, others may develop subtly and manifest over time, resulting in chronic eye conditions. Dr Neeraj exclaims, "Of great concern is the fact that parents may not notice these initial signs and the signs that are causes are others since these are only some of the diseases that are dangerous but children who continuously come into contact with air polluted by firecrackers may consider the following risks:

Cataracts

Glaucoma

Dry eye syndrome

Tips for Protecting Children’s Eyes During Diwali

Parents can observe the following measures to shield their children's eyes from the harmful effects of firecracker smoke:

Avoid exposure: In the first place, the best way to avoid damaging children’s eyes is to prevent any contact with firecracker smoke. Encourage children to remain in the house or in well-ventilated areas during a firework display.

Wear protective eyewear: In the event that children have to go outside during a firework display, they should wear protective eyewear such as goggles or sunglasses.

Rinse eyes thoroughly: In case of exposure of firework smoke to the child’s eyes, the affected eyes should be washed with plenty of clean water.

Seek medical attention: If a child suffers from intense pain in the eyes, redness in the eyes or any changes in vision after exposure to cracker smoke, he/she should be taken to a medical facility as soon as possible.

Parental Guidance During Diwali

1.⁠ ⁠Educate Children on Firecracker Safety

2.⁠ ⁠Monitor Air Quality Index (AQI)

3.⁠ ⁠Plan Indoor Activities During Peak Pollution Hours

4.⁠ ⁠Encourage Healthy Eye Habits (Regular Exams, Hygiene)

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Firecrackers

1.⁠ ⁠Eco-Friendly Firecrackers

2.⁠ ⁠Laser Light Shows

3.⁠ ⁠Community Events (Parades, Festivals)

4.⁠ ⁠Indoor Games and Activities

5.⁠ ⁠Environmentally Conscious Celebrations

Firecrackers undoubtedly liven up the festivities; however, the use of firecrackers and their impact on the health of children has caused a lot of concern, especially their vision. It has become crucial to protect young developing eyes from fire cracker pollution which is harmful to them, especially in the long run. In this manner, we are able to assist in the preservation of our children’s eyesight and create safe and happy festive occasions for everyone.

Actress Amanda Peet has opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis, revealing a “weird” change in the skin that did not feel like the typical lump many people associate with breast cancer.

A breast lump is a well-known warning sign of breast cancer, but the disease can also cause changes in the breast’s skin, shape or texture. This makes it important to pay attention to changes that may not feel like a distinct lump.

What Did Amanda Peet Feel?

Peet, 54, recalled noticing something unusual while getting dressed.

“I was in my closet, I was probably putting something on and I felt a weird — it just didn’t feel like normal skin, but it wasn’t the frozen pea that everybody talks about,” she told Today.com.

Peet described the sensation as a change in how the skin felt rather than a clearly defined lump.

Other breast cancer warning signs can include changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, swelling, redness, nipple changes or unusual discharge. Skin that becomes pitted and resembles an orange peel, known as peau d’orange, can also be a warning sign.

Importantly, breast cancer can sometimes be present without an obvious lump.

Peet had been undergoing regular breast screening and follow-up because of her breast health history. She has said that an MRI did not show the cancer, but a subsequent ultrasound detected an abnormality. A biopsy later confirmed a tumor.

She was diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative invasive lobular carcinoma and underwent a lumpectomy followed by radiation.

What Is Invasive Lobular Carcinoma?

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common type of invasive breast cancer and accounts for about 10% of invasive breast cancers.

Unlike many breast cancers that form a distinct lump, ILC can grow in a more diffuse pattern. It may cause thickening, fullness or a subtle change in the breast rather than a clearly defined mass.

Because of the way ILC grows, it can sometimes be harder to detect on mammography. Additional imaging, including ultrasound or MRI, may be used depending on an individual's symptoms, breast density and clinical assessment.

Most invasive lobular cancers are hormone-receptor positive. Peet wrote that she had been seeing a breast surgeon every six months for checkups. Her cancer was diagnosed at Stage 1.

“I think about how lucky I was in so many ways,” she said.

Why Early Detection Matters

Breast cancer screening is designed to detect cancer before signs or symptoms become apparent. The goal is early detection, when treatment may be more effective.

The appropriate screening schedule depends on age, breast cancer risk, family history and other factors. In the US, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women at average risk aged 40 to 74 have a mammogram every two years.

People with a higher risk of breast cancer may need a different screening approach or additional imaging. Discussing individual risk and screening options with a healthcare professional can help determine what is appropriate.

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with this year’s theme, “Every story is unique, every journey matters,” highlighting that every breast cancer experience is different.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. About 80% of breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age.

In 2024:

• 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide.
• 694,000 women died from the disease.
• 8.2 million women were living with breast cancer at the end of the year.

After eliminating measles in 2000, the US is now seeing a sharp increase in cases, with 3,659 confirmed cases reported as of September 24, 2026. Pennsylvania has reported five measles-related deaths this year, the first such deaths in the state in 35 years.

The number has risen significantly from previous years. The US reported 2,289 cases in 2025, compared with 285 in 2024 and just 85 cases in 2000.

Measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, or brain swelling, and can be fatal.

Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent measles by up to 97%, although breakthrough infections can still occur.

Around 95% of reported cases have been among unvaccinated people, although breakthrough infections have also been reported among people who were fully vaccinated. However, measles is not expected to be as severe in people who are vaccinated.

“Their illness will be much more mild and less likely to cause serious illness than if they had not received two vaccines,” Dr. Pia Fenimore, chief and vice chair of pediatrics at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

Yet according to experts some people can take a booster shot to stay safe.

Who May Need a Measles Booster?

The first measles vaccine was introduced in the US in 1963, but the formulation used between 1963 and 1967 was less effective than current versions.

Adults vaccinated during that period may need another dose if they have not received a later measles vaccine.

People born before 1957 are generally considered to have presumptive evidence of immunity because measles circulated widely before routine vaccination, and most people in this age group were naturally infected.

Some people may need individualized vaccination guidance rather than standard recommendations, including:

• People with uncertain vaccination status or no vaccination records
• People who received an inactivated measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967
• People with a weakened immune system
• Pregnant people

A measles vaccine booster may also be considered for children who received only one MMR dose, high-risk adults such as healthcare workers or international travelers, and people whose testing shows they lack immunity.

Can A Blood Test Check Measles Immunity?

In cases where people do not remember or have no records of two-dose measles vaccination, an Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody test can help assess whether they have antibodies against measles.

If testing shows sufficient measles IgG antibodies, the person is considered immune. If immunity is not established, vaccination may be recommended based on their individual circumstances.

Why Adults Also Need To Be Alert

Measles is often associated with children, but adults can also become infected.

“We often forget about adults getting measles ... 38% to 40% of cases this year of measles have been in adults. Adults become infected at the same, if not higher, rates than children themselves ... in 2025, just over half of the measles hospitalizations were actually ... adults,” Dr. Gavin Harris, an infectious diseases physician with Emory Healthcare in Georgia and the associate medical director of the Serious Communicable Diseases Unit.

What If You Were Exposed To Measles?

Measles is highly contagious and can spread through even limited exposure to the virus. With the virus outbreak, it is likely for people to get exposed to it.

The measles vaccine remains the absolute best way to prevent disease.

A shot within three days of exposure to the contagious virus can help prevent the disease. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) given within six days can also provide protection after exposure.

A 30-year-old law student with Type 1 diabetes was hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after allegedly being advised to stop insulin while following the “VRK Diet” promoted by social media personality Veeramachineni Ramakrishna, popularly known as VRK.

According to the complaint, the student had been living with Type 1 diabetes since 2018. He alleged that he came across VRK’s social media videos claiming that the diet could permanently cure conditions including Type 1 diabetes, cancer and kidney disease.

The student later visited the VRK Health Care Centre in Hyderabad in September 2025, where he alleged that he was orally advised to stop taking insulin. He said he paid around ₹26,000 for supplements and services at the center.

Two days later, he was admitted to a private hospital with DKA and severe dehydration, according to the complaint. He was later discharged.

Hyderabad police have booked Ramakrishna and another person in an alleged fake-doctor and fraud case.

Why Type 1 Diabetes Patients Must Never Stop Insulin

Also read: Gut Microbiome Linked To 3x Higher Type 1 Diabetes Risk In Children

More than 9 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with Type 1 diabetes, including about 1.8 million children and adolescents.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce insulin. Insulin helps glucose move from the blood into cells, where it is used for energy. People with Type 1 diabetes therefore need insulin to control their blood glucose.

“Insulin is not optional in Type 1 diabetes,” Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, said in a post on X.

He advised people with Type 1 diabetes to never stop insulin on their own, including when they are unwell or unable to eat.

“Insulin doses may sometimes need adjustment, but this should be done with guidance from your diabetes team,” he said.

What Happens If Insulin Is Stopped?

The NHS UK explains that the human body needs insulin to break down glucose, i.e. sugar, to turn it into energy. People who have type 1 diabetes need insulin devices as their own body cannot produce it.

When the body does not have enough insulin, it cannot properly use glucose for energy. It starts breaking down fat instead, producing chemicals called ketones.

If ketones build up in the blood, they can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication.

DKA can develop when there is too little insulin, including when a person with Type 1 diabetes misses insulin doses.

Dr Kumar advised people with Type 1 diabetes to regularly monitor their blood glucose and check blood or urine ketones when indicated, particularly during illness or persistent high blood sugar.

Also read: H. pylori, HPV Among Five Infections Behind 1 In 8 Cancers Worldwide: Lancet

Warning Signs Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Dr Kumar said people with Type 1 diabetes should know the warning signs of DKA, including:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Rapid or deep breathing
• Drowsiness or confusion

Anyone with symptoms suggestive of DKA should seek urgent medical care.

Can Diet Or Supplements Replace Insulin?

Type 1 diabetes is an incurable condition. Dr Kumar warned people to be extremely cautious about claims that Type 1 diabetes can be “cured” through supplements, diets, herbs or alternative treatments that allow insulin to be stopped.

“Check the qualifications and registration of anyone giving medical advice. Social-media popularity is NOT a substitute for medical training,” he said.

“One wrong piece of advice can have life-threatening consequences. For Type 1 diabetes, evidence-based medical care and uninterrupted access to insulin are essential,” he added.