The Problem with Traditional Crackers
For decades, the dazzling lights and loud bangs of Diwali have come at a significant environmental cost. Traditional firecrackers are a cocktail of toxic chemicals. They often contain a fuel, an oxidiser to allow it to burn, and metallic compounds for
colour and effects. Key among these are substances like barium nitrate, which acts as an oxidiser and produces green colours, alongside other hazardous heavy metals like lithium, arsenic, lead, and mercury. When these crackers explode, they release a dense cloud of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides into the air. These pollutants are linked to severe respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and a thick, toxic smog that can linger for days, especially in the still air of early winter.
Enter Green Crackers: A Scientific Solution
In response to the growing pollution crisis and Supreme Court rulings aimed at curbing it, Indian scientists stepped in. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) developed a new category of fireworks known as 'green crackers'. The core mission was to create formulations that reduce pollution while preserving the festive experience. These are not entirely pollution-free, but they are designed to have a significantly smaller environmental footprint. The key innovation lies in reformulating the chemical mix to cut emissions by at least 30-40% compared to their conventional counterparts.
How the Formulations Work
The 'green' label isn't just a marketing gimmick; it refers to specific chemical innovations. CSIR-NEERI has developed three main types of green crackers: SWAS, STAR, and SAFAL. SWAS stands for 'Safe Water Releaser'. These crackers contain a small pocket of water that turns into vapour upon bursting, acting as a dust suppressant and helping to settle particulate matter. They also avoid potassium nitrate and sulphur. STAR, or 'Safe Thermite Cracker', also reduces particulate matter and avoids the use of potassium nitrate and sulphur. SAFAL, which stands for 'Safe Minimal Aluminium', reduces the amount of aluminium used by at least 50%, significantly lowering emissions. A crucial change across all approved formulations is the complete removal of banned chemicals like barium nitrate, which is a major pollutant in traditional crackers.
Reduced Emissions and Banned Chemicals
The primary goal of these new formulations is to lower the emission of banned and harmful chemicals. The Supreme Court of India has explicitly banned the use of barium salts in firecrackers across the country, alongside other toxic elements like lithium, arsenic, mercury, and lead. Green crackers are formulated specifically to comply with this ban. By using different oxidisers and additives, they achieve combustion and visual effects without relying on these highly polluting substances. Lab tests have shown that these crackers can reduce particulate matter emissions by 30-50% and also lower levels of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The sound levels are also capped at around 125 decibels, which is lower than many traditional crackers.
How to Identify Genuine Green Crackers
With the popularity of green crackers has come the challenge of counterfeits. To combat this, a verification system has been put in place. Consumers should look for two key things on the packaging of genuine green crackers. First, the official CSIR-NEERI green logo must be printed on the box. Second, there should be a scannable QR code. When scanned with a smartphone, this QR code should lead to a page that verifies the product's details and confirms it is a certified green cracker. Buying loose crackers or from boxes without these identifiers means you are likely purchasing illegal and highly polluting conventional fireworks.
