Firecrackers are enjoyed by most of the children in the Diwali festival. And every time it is seen that due to crackers air pollution increases (esp. at the time of Diwali, particularly due to the post-harvest 'parali' or stubble burning in the agricultural fields of Punjab, Haryana and Western UP) and affects health. CSIR developed green crackers which are better than previous sound-emitting crackers and other fireworks. Let us read more about green crackers, how they will help in combating air pollution, the composition of green crackers, etc.
The green crackers developed by the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) include flower pots, pencils, sparkles, and chakkar. No doubt that green crackers are environment-friendly and are developed to reduce air pollution that causes health hazards.
Air pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems confronting our civilisation today. Mainly, it is caused by human activities like mining, construction, transportation, industry, etc. Also, some natural phenomena are also responsible like volcanic eruptions, wildfires etc. But their occurrence is rare and mostly it causes a local effect. Firecrackers on Diwali are some of the other way responsible for air pollution. So, to minimise air pollution green crackers are developed.
What are fireworks?
Fireworks is a device which contains gunpowder and other combustible chemicals which causes striking effects and explode when ignited. Basically, used in celebrations, festivals etc.
What are Green Crackers?
Green crackers do not contain harmful chemicals and reduce air pollution. They are eco-friendly. That is green crackers are less harmful as compared to conventional firecrackers and reduces air pollution.
In green crackers, the commonly used polluting chemicals like aluminium, barium, potassium nitrate and carbon have either been removed or sharply reduced to slow down the emissions by 15 to 30%.
The idea of generating green firecrackers is of CSIR labs and is proposed by the Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan.
These green crackers have been developed by the National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), a CSIR lab.
At the first phase of producing green crackers focus was on reducing pollutants and then further strategies will cover to remove pollutants from the compositions. The team devised 3-4 formulations and focused at 30-40% of active materials which reduce particulate matter. Also, CSIR-NEERI has developed eco-friendly flower pots that can reduce particulate matter by 40%. CSIR-NEERI tested the efficacy of crackers known as Bijli crackers. They have eliminated the use of ash as desiccants. They have developed potential sound-emitting functional prototypes that do not emit sulphur dioxide. The crackers have been named as follows:
- Safe Water Releaser (SWAS),
- Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR) and
- Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL).
According to the researchers, these crackers have the unique property of releasing water vapour, air as a dust suppressant and diluents for gaseous emissions that match with the performance in sound with traditional conventional crackers.
Basically, green crackers don't contain barium substance which is used in the firecrackers to add green colour. Barium can cause burns, poisoning and deaths.
Green crackers will reduce at least 30 percent emissions using particulate matter Potassium Nitrate as an oxidant. The cost of these crackers will be less or equal to the market value. Green Logo and Green QR code is a quick response coding system has been developed by the government to differentiate green crackers from the regular ones.
Green Crackers: Facts at a Glance
- Green Crackers are formulated by CSIR-NEERI that has no barium nitrate which is one of the key ingredients of traditional firecrackers.
- Names of these crackers are: "safe water releaser (SWAS)", "safe minimal aluminium (SAFAL)" and "safe thermite cracker (STAR)".
- These crackers will release water vapour or air as a dust suppressant and diluent for gaseous emissions.
- These products can only be manufactured by those who have signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with CSIR-NEERI.
- Only those green crackers will be sold that consist of a unique logo on the box, and also have a QR code with production and emission details.
About SWAS and STAR
- They reduce particulate matter including sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide by at least 30 percent and also eliminate the use of potassium nitrate and sulphur.
- The two types have matching sound intensity with commercial crackers, that is, in the range of 105-110 dBA.
About SAFAL
- Minimum use of aluminium that results in at least 35 percent reduction in particulate matter as compared to commercial crackers.
- Its sound intensity matches with commercial crackers in the 110-115 dBA range.
- Product category consists of Chinese crackers, maroons, atom bombs, flowerpots, pencils and sparkles.
So, now we understood that green crackers are those which reduce emission and decibel levels.
Let us study the chemistry of fireworks
Basically, fireworks chemistry is based on the theory of combustion. It consists of 6 vital ingredients.
1. Fuel
Charcoal basically known as black powder is the most common fuel used in fireworks. Therefore, all fuels will contain an organic element like charcoal or thermite.
How fuel functions in the fireworks?
Fuel loses electrons to atoms within the oxidiser thereby reduces the oxidiser and releases atoms from the oxidiser. During this process, bonds are formed between the oxygen and the fuel and form a stable product. Also, a minimal amount of energy is required to start the combustion of this fuel. After, the combustion massive energy is released, the solid mixture liquidifies and vaporises into the flame of ignition.
2. Oxidising Agents
The oxidising agent produces the oxygen needed for the mixture inside the firework to burn. Examples: nitrates, chlorates or perchlorates.
3. Reducing Agents
Reducing agent burn the oxygen provided by the oxidising agents to produce hot gases. Examples: Sulphur and Charcoal. By mixing both the reducing agents speed of the reaction can be controlled.
4. Regulators
Function of a regulator is to regulate the speed of the reaction. Example: metals.
5. Colouring Agents
For producing different colours various chemicals are used like strontium produces red colour, Copper-blue, Barium-green, Sodium-yellow or orange, Calcium- Orange, Gold-iron, Strontium and Copper are mixed together to give purple colour.
6. Binders
They are used to hold the mixture of the firework in the form of a paste-like mixture. Example: dextrin. It is a type of starch which holds the composition together.
How firecrackers are harmful?
Firecrackers can cause severe effects in the health of people like heart diseases, respiratory or nervous system disorders. Even the people suffering from common cold and coughs can cause congestion of throat and chest. Noise pollution causes restlessness, temporary or permanent hearing loss, high blood pressure; sleep disturbance and even poor cognitive development in kids. Firecrackers contain chemicals and substances like cadmium, lead, chromium, aluminium, magnesium, nitrates, carbon monoxide, copper, potassium, sodium, zinc oxide, manganese dioxide etc. which if accumulated can eventually damage health if inhaled or ingested.
So, now you may have come to know about green crackers and how they are safe from other firecrackers.
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