Sure, green crackers can reduce particulate matter emissions by at least 30% compared with conventional firecrackers, but they are not pollution-free, say environmentalists and public health experts while advising residents to limit its use. If you think you will be doing your bit for the environment by opting for green crackers instead of the conventional ones, here’s a reality check for you. Green crackers are not as green as its sellers claim it to be.
Dr Sonu Goyal, professor, department of community medicine and school of public health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), explained that conventional firecrackers contain toxic metals and compounds such as barium, lead and strontium, along with chemicals including potassium nitrate and sulphur. Green crackers on the other hand are manufactured using modified formulations that eliminate the banned substances to minimise emissions. “But green crackers should not be considered completely harmless.
Under CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI)’s emission-reduction criteria, green crackers must achieve at least a 30% reduction in particulate matter emissions compared with conventional crackers of the same category. These must also achieve at least a 20% reduction in particulate matter emissions along with a minimum 10% reduction in gaseous emissions, she said.
they still produce smoke and release pollutants into the atmosphere,” said Dr Goyal While they are designed to reduce emissions.
