Hundreds of individuals, primarily children and young adults, across at least five northern Indian states have sustained serious eye injuries linked to improvised firecracker devices known as "carbide guns" during the recent Diwali festival. These devices, which utilize calcium carbide in a plastic pipe to create an explosion, have been reported as unpredictable in their detonation. Officials indicate that many injuries occurred when individuals peered into the pipe just as the blast happened. The devices reportedly became prevalent in local markets following viral social media videos demonstrating their use as firecrackers. Medical professionals have noted a range of injuries, from chemical burns to extensive corneal damage, with many cases requiring surgery and some resulting in temporary vision loss.
Incidents and Device Description
Aarish, 15, sustained an injury to his left eye from one such device, resulting in vision loss and requiring emergency surgery. He works repairing televisions to supplement his family's income. Karan, 14, also underwent surgery at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal for related injuries.
The "carbide gun" is described as a rudimentary device that uses calcium carbide within a plastic pipe. It generates a loud blast, akin to a gunshot, accompanied by fiery sparks. The explosion's timing is reported as unpredictable, often delayed. Injuries frequently occurred when users inspected the pipe during these delays.
Reports indicate that many patients, including an engineering student who constructed a device at home, purchased or made the guns after viewing instructions and demonstrations on Instagram Reels and YouTube videos. The devices were sold for approximately 150-200 rupees ($1.70-$2; £1.28-£1.70), presenting a relatively inexpensive firecracker option. Social media content featuring these devices is often accompanied by music, with some videos labeled as "science experiments" or "useful projects."
Scope of Injuries and Medical Observations
More than 100 cases of carbide gun-related eye injuries have been reported in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal district alone, with at least 15 requiring surgical intervention. An additional 100 cases have been reported from three other districts in Madhya Pradesh. In Bihar state, 170 cases were reported, 40 of which necessitated surgery, according to Dr. Bibhuti Prassan Sinha, head of the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology in Patna city. Cases have also been documented in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Medical professionals suggest the actual number of injuries may be higher than reported.
Dr. Kavitha Kumar, head of ophthalmology at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal, has categorized the injuries:
- Mild cases: Chemical injuries and thermal burns to the skin around the eye.
- Moderate cases: Chemical particulate matter caused mild damage to the cornea.
- Severe cases: Extensive damage to the cornea, leading to temporary vision loss. Surgery may facilitate sight recovery over time.
Medical staff, including Dr. Aditi Dubey from Hamidia Hospital, expressed unfamiliarity with the specific chemical injuries caused by these devices in the context of Diwali firecrackers, prompting research into "carbide guns."
Calcium Carbide: Properties and Regulation
Calcium carbide is a regulated substance in India, with its possession, use, and manufacturing controlled by law due to its hazardous properties and potential for misuse. When it reacts with water, it produces acetylene gas, which is highly flammable and has documented health risks.
Under the Calcium Carbide Rules, 1987, a license is required for the sale, purchase, and storage of quantities exceeding 200kg. Despite a federal ban, calcium carbide is reportedly still used by farmers and shopkeepers for artificial fruit ripening, and it contains traces of poisonous substances. Police officials have also noted the use of crude calcium carbide guns to deter animals from agricultural fields.
Regulatory Response
In response to the reported injuries, some states, including Madhya Pradesh, have issued bans on the use of carbide guns as firecrackers. Several individuals involved in their sale have also been arrested.
Regarding Aarish, 15, who repairs televisions to supplement his family's income, it is noted that child labor is illegal in India, though Indian law permits children over 14 years old to work in certain non-hazardous industries.