Green firecrackers: an oxymoron?, Pg II

Key Highlights:

• CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) developed green firecrackers to reduce air pollution.
• These crackers emit 30% less particulate matter or 20% less particulate matter and 10% less gases compared to conventional ones.
• The Supreme Court recently permitted the use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for specific durations during Diwali 2026.
• Three types of green crackers developed are Safe Water Releaser (SWAS), Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR), and Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL).
• All authentic green firecracker products carry a CSIR-NEERI logo and a QR code for verification.
• Despite reduced emissions, green firecrackers still contribute to air and noise pollution.

Detailed Insights:

• Green firecrackers were developed by CSIR-NEERI in response to the Supreme Court's call for less polluting alternatives to traditional fireworks.
• Their design involves altering fuel-to-oxidizer ratios for efficient burning, incorporating additives to suppress dust, and reducing harmful metal content.
• SWAS crackers release water vapor during combustion to help suppress particulate matter, while STAR crackers use a thermite-based composition for enhanced combustion efficiency.
• SAFAL crackers are formulated with lower aluminum content to further reduce emissions.
• Green crackers aim to reduce pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides, and exclude banned chemicals such as barium nitrate, lithium, and arsenic.
• For Diwali 2026, the Supreme Court allowed green crackers in Delhi-NCR for limited periods on November 7 and 8, with a complete ban resuming from November 9.
• Restrictions include designated "no-cracker zones" within a 300-meter radius of sensitive areas like hospitals and educational institutions.
• Only crackers certified by CSIR-NEERI and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), bearing specific QR codes, are permitted for sale and use.
• Firecracker smoke contains harmful substances like particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and heavy metals, which can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
• CSIR-NEERI, established in 1958 and renamed in 1974, is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, focusing on environmental science and engineering research.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Particulate Matter (PM): Microscopic solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, a major component of air pollution.
• Oxidizers: Chemical compounds that supply oxygen to fuel, enabling or enhancing combustion in firecrackers.
• Thermite-based composition: A pyrotechnic mixture that produces a highly exothermic reaction, used for high-temperature combustion.
• QR Code: A two-dimensional barcode used for quick access to information, employed here for product authenticity and traceability.