Crackers: Festive Fun Or Pollution Peril?

Firecrackers are a source of air pollution, increasing the amount of heat, carbon dioxide, and toxic gases in the atmosphere. The Supreme Court has acknowledged that firecrackers are not the only cause of air pollution, but that they do contribute to it. The bursting of firecrackers during festivals such as Diwali has been linked to an increase in particulate matter (PM) levels in the air, which can have serious long-term health effects, particularly on children, pregnant women, and senior citizens.

Firecrackers increase particulate matter (PM) levels in the air, which can cause serious long-term health effects

The high levels of pollution resulting from firecrackers disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and senior citizens. The toxic constituents released during combustion can have long-lasting consequences for these individuals, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.

Additionally, the noise pollution caused by firecrackers cannot be ignored. The loud explosions can cause trauma not only to humans but also to animals and birds, adding another layer of concern to the already detrimental effects on the environment and public health.

To reduce the environmental impact of firecrackers, environmentally friendly alternatives, known as "green crackers," have been developed. These green crackers are designed to minimise air pollution and do not contain barium nitrate, the most dangerous ingredient in conventional crackers. Green crackers include flower pots, pencils, sparklers, and maroons, offering a safer option for celebrations without compromising on the festive spirit.

While firecrackers contribute to pollution, it is important to recognise that they are not the primary source of air pollution. Other factors, such as unregulated construction activity, crop burning, and vehicular pollution, also play a significant role in deteriorating air quality. A comprehensive approach to tackling air pollution must address these multiple factors to ensure a sustainable and healthy environment for all.

The Supreme Court has acknowledged that firecrackers contribute to air pollution, but they are not the only cause

The Supreme Court of India has acknowledged that firecrackers contribute to air pollution, but they are not the only cause. The Court's judgment imposed restrictions on the sale and manufacture of crackers, following studies by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that showed an increase in post-Diwali pollution in 2016. The CPCB found that the bursting of firecrackers leads to a substantial increase in PM 2.5 levels, which poses a serious health hazard to humans, animals, and birds.

Firecrackers release toxic chemicals during combustion, making breathing difficult. The toxic constituents increase particulate matter (PM) levels in the air, and these fine particles can enter the throat and lungs, causing serious long-term health effects, especially for children, pregnant women, and senior citizens. The burning of firecrackers also releases metal salts and explosives, which undergo a chemical reaction, further polluting the atmosphere with smoke.

However, the Supreme Court also recognizes that there are other contributory factors to air pollution, especially during Diwali. These include unregulated construction activity, which generates dust, crop burning in neighboring states, and vehicular pollution. Delhi, for instance, is one of the world's most polluted cities during the winter months of October to January, which coincides with Diwali. While firecrackers contribute to the deterioration of air quality during this time, other factors, such as vehicle emissions and stubble burning, also play a significant role.

To address firecracker pollution, the Supreme Court ordered the manufacturing and sale of only "green crackers" in 2018. These environmentally friendly fireworks are developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and are relatively cleaner and safer than regular crackers. However, the production of green crackers is limited to manufacturers with agreements with the CSIR, and the ingredients needed are not easily accessible.

Firecrackers increase the amount of heat, carbon dioxide, and toxic gases in the atmosphere, leading to global warming

Fireworks and firecrackers are a well-known and significant source of air pollution. The combustion of firecrackers releases harmful gases, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide, all of which are known for their greenhouse effect. These emissions contribute to global warming by increasing the amount of heat trapped in the Earth's atmosphere.

The Indian festival of Diwali, or Deepavali, is known for the widespread bursting of firecrackers, which has been shown to substantially increase PM 2.5 levels, posing a severe health hazard. The Supreme Court of India has acknowledged the role of firecrackers in worsening air quality during this festival, leading to a ban on toxic and loud crackers.

Firecrackers contain elements like copper, cadmium, sulphur, aluminium, and barium, which produce vibrant colours when ignited. However, these elements are also associated with a host of health problems. The toxic chemicals released by firecrackers can remain suspended in the atmosphere for extended periods, causing serious respiratory issues and aggravating conditions like asthma.

In addition to respiratory problems, the noise generated by firecrackers can cause hearing impairment, restlessness, sleep disturbances, and high blood pressure. The loud explosions can also severely damage eardrums and cause internal ear damage affecting the nerves.

It is important to find suitable alternatives to fireworks and firecrackers to minimize environmental damage and reduce the carbon footprint associated with these celebratory items.

The bursting of firecrackers during festivals like Diwali or Deepavali can cause severe noise pollution, affecting both humans and animals

The bursting of firecrackers during festivals is a tradition that is often viewed as a joyous activity. However, it is essential to recognize the adverse effects of firecrackers on the environment and human health. The burning of firecrackers during Diwali or Deepavali significantly contributes to noise and air pollution, affecting the well-being of both humans and animals.

Noise pollution from firecrackers can lead to hearing loss and increased stress levels in humans. The loud noises can also disturb wildlife, causing changes in animal behavior and even leading to their death in some cases. The remnants of firecrackers can further contaminate soil and water bodies, impacting plant and animal life. Additionally, the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, contributes to global warming and climate change.

Firecrackers release toxic chemicals during combustion, making breathing difficult for humans. Hospitals often report a surge in respiratory and cardiac problems during and after Diwali. The high levels of pollution particularly affect children, pregnant women, and senior citizens. The concentration of pollutants can reach hazardous levels, with particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals being released into the atmosphere. These pollutants have been linked to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and the exacerbation of existing health conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

To address the issue of pollution caused by firecrackers during Diwali, environmentally friendly alternatives have been introduced. Green crackers, developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), are relatively cleaner and safer than regular crackers. They do not contain barium nitrate, which is the most dangerous ingredient in conventional crackers. While green crackers are not entirely pollution-free, they can help minimize the harmful effects on the environment and human health. However, their production is limited to manufacturers with agreements with CSIR, and the ingredients needed to make them may not be easily accessible.

In conclusion, the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali or Deepavali has severe consequences for both the environment and human health. It is essential to consider the adverse effects and explore eco-friendly alternatives to reduce the pollution and minimize the impact on our well-being.

Green crackers are environmentally friendly fireworks that can reduce air pollution during Diwali

Firecrackers have been known to contribute to air pollution. The Supreme Court of India, in 2018, banned the use of regular firecrackers and allowed only 'green crackers' during Diwali. These green crackers are environmentally friendly fireworks developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and are said to reduce air and noise pollution compared to traditional fireworks.

Green crackers are identified by a QR code and a CSIR-NEERI-certified green logo on their packaging. They are categorised into three types: SWAS (Safe Water Releaser), STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker), and SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium). They have a smaller shell, no ash, and low raw material usage. These crackers also emit water vapour, which acts as a dust suppressant.

However, experts have differing opinions on the eco-friendliness of green crackers. While they are relatively cleaner and safer than regular crackers, they are not entirely pollution-free. Some green crackers have been found to contain harmful chemicals like barium nitrate, and their effectiveness in reducing pollution has been questioned.

To address the issue of firecracker pollution during Diwali, the Supreme Court imposed restrictions on the sale and manufacture of crackers, resulting in lower post-Diwali pollution levels in 2017 compared to 2016. Nevertheless, the debate around the environmental impact of green crackers continues, with some experts arguing for further improvements or alternative ways to celebrate Diwali sustainably.

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