Crackers' Pollution: A Festive Season's Dark Cloud

Firecrackers have been a part of Diwali celebrations for centuries, but their impact on the environment has become an increasingly important topic of discussion in recent years. While firecrackers are not the sole contributor to air pollution, their use has been linked to a substantial increase in PM 2.5 levels, which are harmful to human health. With rising air pollution in Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai, the traditional practice of bursting firecrackers during Diwali has the potential to exacerbate the issue. However, it's important to note that other factors such as stubble burning, construction work, and vehicle emissions also play a significant role in air pollution. The development of green crackers or eco-friendly alternatives that use less polluting raw materials and reduce emissions is a positive step towards addressing this issue.

Firecrackers are not the main cause of pollution, but they contribute to it

While firecrackers are not the primary cause of pollution, they do contribute to the problem. The Supreme Court of India has acknowledged that firecrackers are not the sole reason for worsening air quality but has also stated that they cannot stand by and allow the deterioration of air quality caused by firecrackers during festivals.

Firecrackers have been shown to increase PM 2.5 levels, which are extremely harmful to human health. A 2018 study found a near 40% increase in PM 2.5 concentrations by the second day of Diwali celebrations in Delhi. The Indian government's Central Pollution Control Board has identified 15 toxic and hazardous substances in firecrackers. These include harmful chemicals like arsenic, lithium, and barium. The noise pollution emitted by regular crackers is also significant, reaching levels of about 160 decibels.

However, firecrackers are not the main source of pollution, and other factors contribute more significantly. For instance, stubble burning, construction work, and vehicle emissions are the three most significant sources of pollution in India, contributing to 94% of total pollution. In comparison, firecrackers burned during Diwali may account for only 6% of pollution.

To address the issue of firecracker pollution, some Indian states have banned the sale and use of firecrackers during Diwali, and "green crackers" have been introduced as a more eco-friendly alternative. These green crackers are made with less polluting raw materials and reduced quantities of chemicals like aluminium, lead, and carbon. They also emit less noise pollution and suppress dust when burnt.

Green crackers are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional firecrackers

Firecrackers are a major source of air pollution, especially during festivals such as Diwali. The traditional firecrackers use harmful polluting chemicals like arsenic, lithium, and barium, which contribute significantly to air pollution. However, green crackers, also known as eco-friendly crackers, offer a more sustainable alternative.

Green crackers are designed to reduce emissions and cause less air pollution compared to traditional firecrackers. They are made using less polluting raw materials and reduced quantities of chemicals like aluminium, lead, and carbon. This helps lower the overall emissions released into the atmosphere. Additionally, when green crackers burst, they emit water vapour, which suppresses dust and prevents it from rising.

The noise pollution emitted by regular crackers can reach up to 160 decibels, which is extremely loud and harmful to human hearing. In contrast, green crackers have a much lower emission rate, limited to 110-125 decibels. This makes them a more comfortable and safer option for celebrations.

Green crackers were introduced in 2019 by CSIR-NEERI (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) as a response to the growing air pollution concerns in Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The use of green crackers during Diwali in 2023 resulted in a significant reduction of 30% in air pollution levels compared to previous years.

While firecracker makers from regions like Tamil Nadu's Sivakasi argue that bursting firecrackers during Diwali is not the primary cause of air pollution, the switch to green crackers is a step towards more environmentally conscious celebrations. By adopting green crackers, individuals can still enjoy the tradition and joy of firecrackers while minimising their impact on the environment.

The noise pollution emitted by regular crackers is about 160 decibels

The use of firecrackers, particularly during Diwali, has been a topic of concern due to the associated noise and air pollution. Regular firecrackers produce noise levels of about 160 decibels, which far exceed the recommended safe levels. This excessive noise pollution can lead to adverse health effects, including noise-induced hearing loss.

Noise pollution from firecrackers can reach extremely high levels due to their impulsive nature, with noise levels increasing exponentially over distances. Studies have shown that even at a distance of 6 meters, firecrackers can produce noise levels greater than 110 dB SPL, which is extremely harmful to human health. The impact of this noise pollution is not limited to hearing damage but can also affect the ambient noise environment, leading to increased overall noise levels in the surrounding areas.

The European Directives, 2013/29/EU, categorizes crackers into four types and recommends a safe maximum impulsive sound pressure level of 120 dB(A) at distances of 1 meter, 8 meters, and 15 meters. However, the noise levels produced by regular firecrackers far exceed these recommended limits, contributing to the overall noise pollution problem.

To address this issue, green crackers have been introduced as a more environmentally friendly alternative. Green crackers are designed to produce significantly lower noise levels, ranging from 110 to 125 decibels, which is still within the safe range. By adopting green crackers, the noise pollution emitted during festive celebrations can be substantially reduced, making it a more enjoyable and safe experience for everyone.

Overall, the noise pollution emitted by regular crackers, with levels reaching 160 decibels, poses a significant health and environmental concern. It is essential to prioritize noise regulations and encourage the use of greener alternatives to mitigate the adverse effects of firecracker noise pollution.

Firecrackers cause severe health hazards and trauma to animals and birds

Firecrackers are a major source of pollution and have detrimental effects on the environment and human and animal health. They release toxic gases, such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen, and potassium, into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and causing respiratory issues. The noise from firecrackers also causes noise pollution, leading to hearing loss and increased stress levels in both humans and animals.

The impact of firecrackers on animals and birds is particularly severe. The loud noises and bright lights from firecrackers can cause anxiety, trauma, and stress in animals and birds, leading to changes in behaviour and even death. Dogs and cats, for example, have a much higher sense of hearing than humans, and the sound of firecrackers can be extremely loud and frightening for them. They may run away in fear, leading them to lose their way and end up in accidents. Birds can also be startled and disoriented by the noise and lights, causing them to fly away from their shelters and, in some cases, die from fear or accidents.

The chemicals used in firecrackers, such as potassium nitrate, sulfur, charcoal, and aluminium, release toxic fumes that contribute to air pollution. These fumes can affect animals and birds, causing respiratory issues and other health problems. The debris left behind by firecrackers can also be hazardous, as animals may accidentally ingest heavy metals and other toxic chemicals, leading to illnesses.

To reduce the impact on animals and birds, some places have switched to silent fireworks or laser spectacles, which create a visual display without the loud noise. These alternatives can still provide a festive atmosphere while minimizing the stress and trauma caused to animals and birds by traditional firecrackers.

The impact of firecrackers is worse for people with physical ailments

The use of firecrackers has a detrimental effect on air quality, which is widely recognized worldwide. Firecrackers emit extremely high levels of PM2.5 particles, which are more likely to enter the respiratory system and cause lasting damage. The impact of firecrackers is worse for people with physical ailments, particularly those with heart, respiratory, or nervous system disorders. The inhalation of smoke and pollutants from firecrackers can aggravate existing problems such as allergies, coughs, and congestion of the throat and chest. It can also trigger acute eosinophilic pneumonia, chronic or allergic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, sinusitis, rhinitis, pneumonia, and laryngitis.

Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of firecracker pollution due to their less developed defences against air pollutants and higher levels of physical activity, resulting in a greater intake of polluted air into their lungs. The elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are also at higher risk of adverse health effects from firecracker pollution.

Firecrackers also contribute to noise pollution, emitting sounds of up to 140 decibels or more, which can lead to restlessness, temporary or permanent hearing loss, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. For individuals with heart or nervous system disorders, the loud noises from firecrackers can be particularly harmful, exacerbating their condition.

While the use of firecrackers during cultural and religious celebrations, such as Diwali, brings joy to many, it is important to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with their use, especially for vulnerable individuals with physical ailments. The development and promotion of eco-friendly alternatives, such as "green crackers," which produce less air and noise pollution, are positive steps towards mitigating the negative impacts of firecrackers on human health and the environment.

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