Explained: The Environmental Impact Of Firecrackers
The dangers of firecrackers are not limited to their impact on the environment. Several cases were reported of the use of unbranded fireworks during intense firework face-offs, which led to an explosion that killed hundreds of people in 2016.
Firecrackers add to the polluted air making it difficult to breathe or see down the road during festivals especially, during Diwali. The toxic mix of emissions from vehicles, construction, garbage burning and other sources along with harmful chemicals from the crackers makes India the noisiest and most polluted in the world. Despite various measures taken including a complete ban on firecrackers, the air quality seems to remain unaffected throughout the country.
The dangers of firecrackers are not limited to their impact on the environment. Several cases were reported of the use of unbranded fireworks during intense firework face-offs, which led to an explosion that killed hundreds of people in 2016.
Air and Noise Pollution
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Fireworks, when burned, metal salts and explosives undergo a chemical reaction that releases many toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide linger in the atmosphere in the form of smoke, responsible for the greenhouse effect. The toxic gas released from firecrackers contaminates water, soil and air and is harmful to wildlife and human beings. A substantial increase in smog in the atmosphere damages plants and trees along with haze reducing visibility.
Apart from polluting the air, fireworks contribute to noise pollution which leads to ear damage. A lethal level of sound produced could result in pulmonary embolism or burst lungs. The environmental impact of noise pollution largely affects marine life. The particulate matter from fireworks makes the surface water more acidic affecting the marine ecosystem.
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Apart from deafening noises and disruptive lights, the fireworks display consists of debris, such as shells and heavy metals. These debris pose a threat to animals as they accidentally ingest shells which potentially leads to illnesses. In areas already susceptible to fires or when there is a change in temperature, the chances of debris igniting are high.
What are the alternatives?
Green crackers are environment-friendly and can reduce air pollution during Diwali as most green crackers do not contain barium nitrate. Alternate chemicals such as potassium nitrate and aluminum instead of magnesium and barium are used to produce green crackers. Another advantage of switching to green crackers is when a regular cracker produces 160-200 decibels of sound, green crackers are limited to about 100-130 decibels.
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Are green firecrackers clean?
The use of green crackers does not guarantee a complete pollution-free experience. However, green crackers are 30% less polluting than the regularly used ones. Despite the benefit, green crackers are more expensive than the regular firecrackers bought by hundreds of people. People tend not to check labels before buying crackers, which makes it difficult to distinguish between green and non-green crackers.
It is implausible to stop the production of non-green crackers at once. However, various approaches to educate people about alternatives such as green crackers. The festival of light can be celebrated using various eco-friendly lanterns, glowsticks, balloon firecrackers or seed crackers. Rather than choosing to burn harmful crackers, it is high time to opt for ¡®green¡¯ options available to us.
About the author: Ashwin Bhadri is the CEO of Equinox Labs. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.
