In a major fire incident on 5 Sep 2012 in a fire cracker manufacture unit at Sivakasi, more than 35 persons died and several were injured. Some of the died were those who went for rescue. In different news reports, it is stated that the rooms where crackers are made are totally congested with little free space and with Diwali festival approaching, the finished products in cartons were stored in the same rooms where crackers are being made.
In a news report, which I am unable to get link, I read that the chemical fumes / dust in the work atmosphere is recognized by factory managements and in some factories, workers are give banana allowance of Rs 35/week so that workers can eat bananas and get rid of ill effects of chemicals entering the digestive track.
This reminds me of my experience ten years ago in a chlorine manufacturing unit, where I attended a two-day training programme on safe handling of chemicals. As a part of the programme, the organizers demonstrated handling of chlorine emergencies by using emergency tool kit, transfer of chlorine from one tonner to another by opening the valve of a tonner. Before start of this demo, they gave jaggery to all participants standing in a circle around the tonner and were asked to keep it in the mouth and swallow the jaggery juices forming in the mouth. The reason told was that it will help in clearing the throat choking if and when we are exposed to chlorine accidentally. Similarly, pipper mint also will help in same manner.
So, there are some cheap and workable methods that help us from ill effects of chemicals and can be followed.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/at-least-54-killed-50-injured-in-fire-at-sivakasi-cracker-unit/998193/0
http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article3862000.ece
http://zeenews.india.com/news/tamil-nadu/major-fire-at-sivakasi-cracker-unit-leaves-scores-dead_797872.html
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-10/news/33737341_1_sivakasi-cracker-makers-illegal-units