Green Crackers: A Sustainable Alternative
Prof Ravindra Khaiwal and Prof Suman Mor discuss the environmental and health benefits of green crackers as opposed to conventional firecrackers.
What are Green Crackers?
- Definition: Environmentally safer fireworks designed by CSIR–NEERI to reduce air and noise pollution.
- Composition: Smaller shells, reduced chemicals, and dust suppressants leading to at least 30% lower emissions of PM, SO2, and NO2.
- Comparison:
- Conventional crackers contain toxic metals like barium, strontium, and copper.
- Green crackers exclude barium compounds, have reduced aluminium and thermite content, and use potassium nitrate.
Certification and Identification
- All authentic green crackers are certified by CSIR–NEERI.
- Identify them using the official CSIR–NEERI logo and a QR code verifiable via the ‘CSIR NEERI Green QR Code App’.
Types of Green Crackers
- SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): Suppresses dust and PM by releasing water vapour, reducing PM by 30–35%.
- STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Uses modified thermite, reduces gaseous emissions (SO2 and NO2) by 20–30%, and produces less noise.
- SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): Minimizes aluminium use, substitutes magnesium, reducing metallic and PM emissions by 30–35%.
Pollution and Health Impacts
- Green crackers emit about 30% less pollution but are not completely pollution-free.
- Noise pollution remains a concern, leading to potential health issues like hearing impairment and anxiety.
Safety Precautions
- Purchase only from licensed shops.
- Use a long candle or lighter to maintain distance while igniting.
- Avoid crowded or enclosed spaces.
- Keep water and sand nearby for emergencies.
- Wear cotton clothing and shoes for protection.
