AIOS Calls for an Immediate Ban on Carbide Guns and Improvised Firecrackers

AIOS Calls for an Immediate Ban on Carbide Guns and Improvised Firecrackers

New Delhi/ Hyderabad, October 24, 2025…..The All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), the world’s largest professional society of eye specialists, has issued an urgent national appeal to the Central and State Governments and District Authorities for an immediate ban on carbide-based and improvised explosive firecrackers that have caused a sharp rise in severe eye injuries, particularly among children, this festive season. These crude “carbide bombs” or “carbide guns” are chemical explosives capable of causing permanent blindness, disfigurement, and disability.

AIOS has demanded a nationwide crackdown, FIRs against manufacturers and sellers, and disruption of the supply chain for calcium carbide and related materials. The Society has also called for an intensive public awareness campaign and hospital emergency preparedness to prevent further ocular injuries.

“Ban carbide firecrackers now — protect every eye, every child.” says AIOS

The All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) represents over 28,000 eye specialists across India.

Ophthalmologists and hospitals across several states have reported a surge of severe ocular burns and trauma, particularly among children, caused by so-called “carbide bombs” or “carbide guns” — crude explosive devices made from calcium carbide and water that release explosive acetylene gas. These are chemical bombs, not conventional firecrackers, and they cause: Blinding chemical and thermal burns, Corneal destruction and irreversible vision loss and Permanent disfigurement and disability

With Chhath Puja and other festivities approaching, continued use of such hazardous devices could lead to another wave of preventable blindness and severe facial injuries.

AIOS demands immediate Government Action

1. Nationwide Ban and Crackdown

• Immediate ban on manufacture, sale, transport, and use of carbide-based firecrackers.

• Ban can be enforced by the central and state governments and district administrations

• Enforce strict compliance through police, district administrations, and pollution control authorities.

2. Public Awareness Campaign

• High-visibility campaigns on TV, radio, print, digital, and social media.

• Special focus on schools and parental education to prevent children from experimenting with these devices.

3. Emergency Hospital Preparedness

• Maintain 24-hour ophthalmic emergency readiness.

• Ensure adequate supplies for eye irrigation, surgical repair, and trauma management.

4. School and Community Vigilance

• Strict prohibition of device use by children and youth.

• Report possession or use to local authorities.

5. Legal Action and Supply Chain Disruption

• Register FIRs under explosives, consumer safety, and public health laws.

• Disrupt the supply chain of calcium carbide and other component materials, both offline and online.

The rise in these preventable, blinding injuries is alarming and unacceptable. We urge the Government to act decisively and immediately to save vision and lives, said Dr Partha Biswas, President, AIOS in a press statement issued today.

Let this season of light not become a season of darkness. Ban carbide firecrackers now. Protect every eye, every child, added Dr Jeevan Singh Titiyal, President Elect, AIOS

Dr Mohan Rajan, Vice President, AIOS, adds that every child’s eye is precious. These crude explosive devices are destroying vision and lives. We must act now to protect children and prevent lifelong suffering from blindness

Dr Santosh G. Honavar, Honorary Secretary, AIOS, says AIOS calls on authorities, schools, and parents to ban carbide firecrackers and raise awareness. Together, we can ensure the festival of lights does not turn into a season of darkness.

Carbide and improvised firecrackers are not mere festive hazards—they are chemical explosives causing permanent blindness. Immediate government intervention is crucial to stop this preventable tragedy. – Dr Manoj C Mathur, Treasurer, AIOS

For Further Information: All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) AIOS Secretariat, New Delhi, email: secretary@aios.org, Mobile/WhatsApp: +91-98483-04001