Eco Friendly Firecrackers: Sparks of Hope or Smoke and Mirrors?
Ever wondered if eco-friendly firecrackers are the real deal or just a fleeting trend? Dive in to uncover the truth behind these green explosions and find out if they’re truly worth the hype!
Eco friendly firecrackers refer to variants that are designed to have a reduced environmental impact compared to conventional firecrackers. They aim to cut down on pollution emissions, noise levels, and toxic chemical content.
Origins of Eco Friendly Firecrackers
The origins of eco-friendly firecrackers can be traced back to concerns about the air quality impact of conventional firecracker usage. Regulatory pressures started mounting in the late 2010s, with the Supreme Court advocating for variants that are less harmful. This led government research institutions like the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to start development projects. The key aspects of eco-friendly firecrackers include:
- Reduced emissions: Eco-friendly variants curb the release of smoke and particulate matter by up to 30-35%, as per CSIR estimates. This is achieved by replacing components like barium salts.
- Lower noise: Through modifications in chemical composition, the noise intensity on bursting eco-friendly firecrackers can be reduced from 160 decibels to 110-125 decibels.
- Minimal use of toxic chemicals: Aluminium, sulfphur, potassium nitrate, and carbon content is minimized or eliminated in the different eco-friendly formulations.
Some of the prominent types of eco-friendly firecrackers are:
- SWAS: Uses water vapor instead of pollutants and does not contain sulphur/potassium nitrate.
- STAR: Does not contain sulphur/potassium nitrate, and produces less particulate matter.
- SAFAL: Has reduced aluminum content for lowering pollutants.
| Firecracker Type | Key Characteristics |
| SWAS | Water vapor instead of pollutants, no sulphur/potassium nitrate |
| STAR | No sulphur/potassium nitrate, less particulate matter |
| SAFAL | Less aluminum, reduced pollutants |
The adoption of eco-friendly firecrackers received a boost after the Supreme Court ruling in 2018, which called for regulation around conventional, polluting firecrackers. However, concerns around aspects like shelf-life, awareness, and costs persist.
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Types of Eco-Friendly Firecrackers
There are several proprietary formulations of eco-friendly firecrackers that have been developed by research institutions as well as private manufacturers. The most prominent categories are:
SWAS (Safe Water Releaser)
The SWAS variants introduced by CSIR do not contain chemicals like sulphur and potassium nitrate, which produce dangerous emissions when conventional firecrackers burst. Instead, the SWAS composition replaces these with components that release water vapor and minimal smoke.
Specific benefits of SWAS firecrackers:
- Release water vapor instead of pollutant emissions
- 30-35% reduction in particulate matter
- No sulphur or potassium nitrate
- Use of diluents for managing gaseous emissions
SWAS firecrackers are ideal for minimizing air and noise pollution from fireworks displays. However, some disadvantages are that they can be more expensive than traditional firecrackers.
STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker)
STAR firecrackers are another category introduced by CSIR that provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fireworks. Like SWAS variants, the STAR composition also does not contain sulphur or potassium nitrate.
Advantages of STAR firecrackers:
- No sulphur or potassium nitrate
- Significant reduction in particulate matter emissions
- Lower noise intensity compared to traditional firecrackers
The thermite-based chemical composition used in STAR firecrackers ensures an eco-friendly bursting process. STAR variants are suitable for minimizing both air and noise pollution.
SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium)
The SAFAL eco-friendly firecrackers designed by CSIR use minimally processed aluminum to reduce pollutant emissions. They also exclude chemicals like sulphur and potassium nitrate.
Key benefits of SAFAL firecrackers:
- Minimal aluminum content
- No sulphur or potassium nitrate
- Lower particulate matter emissions
- Reduced noise levels
By controlling the aluminum content, SAFAL firecrackers aim to decrease the toxic smoke produced when conventional variants burst. However, very less manufacturers have access to the SAFAL composition patented by CSIR.
Other Eco-Friendly Formulations
Apart from the SWAS, STAR, and SAFAL categories, some manufacturers have also introduced their own proprietary eco-friendly firecracker compositions:
- Venkateshwara Crackers: Uses rice hull ash to reduce sulfur emissions
- Standard Fireworks: Uses low-nitrate formulations to cut emissions
- Sony Fireworks: Uses compounds that absorb dust to reduce particulate matter
However, the lack of publicly available technical data on these formulations makes it difficult to independently verify their eco-friendly claims. Proper certification protocols are necessary.
Overall, while eco-friendly formulations reduce emissions and noise compared to traditional firecrackers, they are still not zero-pollution. Further innovation is needed for more sustainable compositions
Benefits and Limitations of Eco-Friendly Firecrackers
Eco-friendly firecrackers offer certain advantages over conventional firecrackers when it comes to environmental impact. However, they also have some limitations that need to be considered.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Firecrackers
The key benefits that eco-friendly firecrackers provide are:
- Reduced emissions: Eco-friendly firecrackers can reduce particulate matter emissions by 30-35%, as per CSIR estimates. This improves air quality.
- Lower noise levels: The noise intensity on bursting eco-friendly firecrackers ranges from 110-125 decibels, compared to 160 decibels for conventional firecrackers. This reduces noise pollution.
- Minimal toxic chemicals: Eco-friendly variants eliminate or minimize the content of chemicals like aluminum, sulphur, potassium nitrate, and barium salts.
- Better compliance: Being eco-friendly provides a way to comply with regulatory bans on conventional firecrackers by the Supreme Court and state governments.
- Public perception: Using eco-friendly firecrackers improves public perception and acceptance of fireworks displays.
Limitations of Eco-Friendly Firecrackers
However, there are some limitations when it comes to eco-friendly firecrackers:
- Limited reductions in emissions: While eco-friendly firecrackers reduce emissions by 30-35%, they do not eliminate pollution entirely.
- Concerns around shelf-life: Some chemicals used in eco-friendly compositions may impact product shelf-life adversely.
- Lack of awareness: There is limited public awareness around eco-friendly firecrackers, their benefits, and how to identify them.
- Higher costs: Eco-friendly firecrackers are more expensive to manufacture than traditional variants. This can limit uptake.
- Availability issues: Very few manufacturers have access to authorized eco-friendly compositions, restricting supply.
- “Greenwashing” concerns: Claims around eco-friendly firecrackers need more verification to prevent fake products.
| Benefits | Limitations |
| Reduced emissions | Do not eliminate pollution fully |
| Lower noise levels | Concerns around shelf-life |
| Minimal toxic chemicals | Lack of public awareness |
| Regulatory compliance | Higher costs |
| Improved public perception | Limited availability |
| “Greenwashing” concerns |
While the benefits are notable, the limitations highlight that eco-friendly firecrackers are not yet a perfect solution. Further innovation and balanced regulation are needed to maximize benefits while addressing concerns.
Health and Environmental Impacts
Conventional firecrackers can have significant negative health and environmental consequences when used in large quantities. Eco-friendly variants aim to reduce these impacts, but concerns persist on whether they go far enough.
Health Impacts of Conventional Firecrackers
The key health effects associated with bursting conventional firecrackers are:
- Respiratory issues: The smoke and particulate matter can worsen asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. Children and seniors are especially vulnerable.
- Hearing loss: The high decibel levels can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage and loss. Prolonged exposure to the noise can be harmful.
- Accidents and injuries: Conventional firecracker usage often causes burns and eye injuries. Improper handling can also result in accidents.
- Toxic chemical exposure: The release of heavy metals and toxic components can contaminate the air and environment. This can increase the risk of problems like lung cancer.
Environmental Effects of Conventional Firecrackers
Conventional firecrackers also negatively impact the environment:
- Air pollution: The smoke and particles released degrade air quality and visibility severely, increasing pollution levels.
- Noise pollution: The loud bursting sounds of conventional firecrackers increase noise pollution and disturb wildlife.
- Waste generation: Firecracker debris and packaging generate large amounts of non-biodegradable waste.
Impacts of Eco-Friendly Firecrackers
Eco-friendly firecrackers aim to reduce these consequences through changes in composition:
- Marginal reduction in emissions: Eco-friendly variants can reduce particulate emissions by 30-35%, which provides some air quality benefits.
- Lower noise levels: The 110-125 decibel range of eco-friendly firecrackers mitigate noise pollution to some extent.
- Less exposure to toxic chemicals: Eliminating components like barium and sulfur reduces health risks from toxic exposure.
However, some experts argue that the emissions reductions offered by eco-friendly firecrackers are not enough. There are also greenwashing concerns around exaggerated claims of eco-friendliness.
Ultimately, mass usage of even eco-friendly firecrackers can degrade air quality and the environment. Minimizing overall firecracker usage remains the best solution from a health and environment standpoint.
The Road Ahead
Eco-friendly firecrackers offer a glimmer of hope but not a silver bullet solution. The complex balancing act between cultural traditions, livelihoods, health, and sustainability continues, needing creative new solutions.
Innovation must charge ahead to minimize environmental impacts further through green chemistry and materials science. Responsible regulation and licensing protocols can gradually transition the industry. Building awareness so citizens opt for mindful celebrations remains imperative.
The road ahead demands collaboration, compassion, and commitment from all stakeholders to uplift vulnerable groups, restore our skies, and reinvent traditions in a progressive yet inclusive spirit. For now, eco-friendly firecrackers provide a starting spark, not the grand finale.
References:
https://climatefactchecks.org/green-firecrackers-for-diwali-is-nothing-but-greenwashing/
