Green Firecrackers: Less Emission, Not No Pollution

GREEN FIRECRACKERS: REDUCING EMISSIONS BUT NOT ELIMINATING POLLUTION

WHY IN THE NEWS ?

  • Supreme Court Permission: The Supreme Court recently permitted the use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi for two days during Deepavali.
  • Environmental Significance: Developed by CSIR-NEERI, these crackers aim to reduce particulate matter and harmful emissions compared to conventional fireworks.

GREEN FIRECRACKERS: REDUCING EMISSIONS BUT NOT ELIMINATING POLLUTION

THREE MAJOR TYPES OF GREEN FIRECRACKERS

  • SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): These crackers contain ingredients that release water vapour during combustion, helping suppress some of the particulate matter generated.
  • STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Uses a thermite-based composition to improve combustion efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.
  • SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): Contains a reduced quantity of aluminium, thereby lowering emissions associated with conventional fireworks.
  • Multiple Applications: All three categories can be incorporated into different types of fireworks, including sparklers and flowerpots.
  • Emission Control: Their primary objective is to reduce pollution at the source through modifications in chemical composition and combustion processes.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

  • Air Pollution: Green firecrackers still release fine particulate matter, harmful gases and other combustion products.
  • Health Risks: Their emissions can adversely affect respiratory and cardiovascular health, particularly among children, elderly people and individuals with existing respiratory problems.
  • Noise Pollution: Despite reduced chemical emissions, green crackers can still generate considerable noise and disturb vulnerable populations.
  • Limited Effectiveness: Exclusive use of green firecrackers does not necessarily guarantee cleaner urban air because pollution levels also depend on the total number of crackers burst, weather conditions and existing pollution.
  • Environmental Perspective: Green crackers represent a pollution-reduction measure rather than a completely pollution-free alternative, highlighting the importance of responsible celebrations and stricter emission monitoring.

GREEN FIRECRACKERS: CONCEPT AND TECHNOLOGY

●      Definition: Green firecrackers are specially designed fireworks that release comparatively lower levels of air pollutants than conventional firecrackers.

●      Scientific Development: They have been developed by the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) to minimise pollution through improved combustion technology.

●      Emission Reduction: They reportedly produce approximately 30% less particulate matter, or 20% less particulate matter and 10% fewer gaseous emissions compared to conventional crackers in the same category.

●      Technological Changes: Their manufacturing involves modifying fuel and oxidiser proportions, improving combustion efficiency, adding dust-suppressing substances and reducing certain metal content.

●      Identification: Certified products carry the CSIR-NEERI logo and a QR code, enabling consumers to verify their certification and authenticity.