What are green crackers? Do they really cause less pollution?

New Delhi: As soon as Diwali arrives, everyone starts talking about firecrackers. However, given the increasing pollution in Delhi-NCR, various restrictions are imposed on firecrackers every year. This time, the Supreme Court has allowed the burning of green firecrackers for a limited time before and on Diwali. Consequently, the discussion about green firecrackers has increased in the market. But do these firecrackers really cause less pollution? Is the smoke they emit not harmful to health? And how can we distinguish them from regular firecrackers? Let's find out the answers to all these questions.

What are green crackers?

Green crackers are firecrackers designed to produce less smoke and pollution than regular firecrackers. They were developed by CSIR-NEERI, an institute of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. The chemicals and other materials used in these firecrackers are modified in quantity or composition to reduce the amount of pollution they produce when burned. This means they aim to reduce the smoke and particulate matter emitted by firecrackers. However, this does not mean they are completely free of pollution.

How different are green crackers from normal crackers?

According to CSIR-NEERI, green crackers emit at least 30 percent less smoke and fine particles into the air than regular crackers. Simply put, green crackers pollute the air less when burned than regular crackers. Efforts are made to reduce smoke and harmful gases. Furthermore, their noise is also kept within a certain limit. However, this does not mean that every green cracker will reduce pollution to the same extent.

Green crackers should not contain barium

Common firecrackers contain certain chemicals that can further pollute the air. These include barium. Firecrackers containing barium are banned, and the Supreme Court has once again clearly stated that such firecrackers cannot be burned.
Additionally, firecrackers without CSIR-NEERI approval cannot be used. Firecracker manufacturing companies must have the necessary certification. This means that simply having a green color or the word "green firecracker" on the packaging is not proof that it is a true green firecracker.

Do green crackers really not cause pollution?

Green crackers are designed to produce less pollution than regular firecrackers, but they are not completely pollution-free. Burning them still releases smoke and small particles into the air. These can pollute the surrounding air and cause problems for people with respiratory issues. Therefore, it is not correct to consider green crackers completely safe. They may reduce pollution to some extent, but they do not eliminate it. Especially in areas like Delhi-NCR, where air quality is already poor, it is best to avoid burning crackers.

When can you burn green crackers on Diwali?

The Supreme Court has permitted the burning of green crackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7th and 8th only from 6 am to 7 pm and from 8 pm to 10 pm. Furthermore, burning of crackers is prohibited within 300 meters of hospitals, nursing homes, health centers, schools, senior living quarters, and designated silence zones. The manufacture, sale, and burning of firecracker strings is also prohibited. A complete ban on firecrackers will be implemented again in Delhi-NCR from November 9th.