DEEPAWALI is a famous Hindu Festival. On this occasion Puja is performed. The people show their joy by illuminating their houses at night. All young & old enjoy firecrackers. However, crackers contain toxic constituents, which are released into the Atmosphere and are thereby harmful for Health & Environment. Bursting of crackers deteriorates ambient air quality by releasing suspended particulate matter, oxides of metals along with carbon particles, poisonous/toxic gases and high noise level.
Constituents of crackers:
The following are the main constituents of crackers (Source-Bombay National History Society Laboratory, Mumbai.)
• The highly toxic heavy metals like cadmium and lead in addition to other metals like copper, manganese, zinc, sodium, magnesium and potassium are the main constituents in firecrackers.
• Few of these metals are in the form of nitrates and nitrites. Both these radicals are oxidizing agents that are a ready source of oxygen in the process of combustion.
• Oxides of sulphur, phosphorus are present in the form of Sulphate and phosphates respectively.
• The average concentration of lead, copper is usually in the range of 462-744mg/100g with a maximum in green sparkle showing 850mg/100g. Magnesium was found in huge quantities when compared to other metals like copper, manganese and zinc. The mean levels of magnesium in about 2622 mg/ 100g. zinc is in the least concentration (324mg /100g) among the various metals.
• The proportion of nitrite, phosphate and sulphate in the crackers is almost similar and ranged between 1160 to 1420 mg/gm, whereas nitrates which are strong oxidizing agents, are in considerable amounts as compared to the other three. Their mean levels were 1624mg/100g.
Effects of Pollutants on Environment & Health:
Large scale bursting of firecrackers results in deteriorating the environmental quality with respect to ambient air quality, noise levels and generation of solid waste. The constituents harmful to health are released when crackers are burst.
• SUSPENDED PARTICULATE MATTER (SPM):
The increase in level of suspended particles in the air causes eye, throat and nose problems.
Chronic Pulmonary Diseases (Bronchitis, Asthma) get aggravated by sufficient high concentration of SPM.
The particulate matter may contain some heavy metal oxide/salts, which get deposited in the lungs causing irreversible damage.
• SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2):
Sulphur Dioxide is readily soluble and dissolves in the larger airways of respiratory system. This stimulates a contraction. At higher concentrations severe contraction restricts the breathing process.
Allergy problems are also caused to skin.
Sulphur dioxide adversely affects plant growth and productivity by interaction with different physiological processes and damaging the licences and pigments.
• OXIDES OF NITROGEN (NO3 )
Nitrogen dioxide cause respiratory allergies like asthma especially to the susceptible population.
Cause throat and chest congestion and are like to aggravate problems for these already suffering from coughs, colds and allergies.
• CARBON MONOXIDE (CO):
CO causes harm by binding with haemoglobin in our blood forming caboxy haemoglobin (COHb). CO attaches with haemoglobin roughly 220 times more strongly than the oxygen so that amount of CO in the air we breath can cause significant amount of our haemoglobin to be tied up has COHb. The haemoglobin thus tied up cannot serve its normal function to transport oxygen in the blood. Thus as the bloods ability to transport oxygen declines, various parts of the body suffer oxygen deprivation. 70% or more percent caboxy haemoglobin is normally fatal.
• CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2):
CO2 atmosphere CO2 is the major source of organic carbons in the biosphere. There has been steady increase in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere is about 350 ppm. At this concentration it has no harmful effects to human, but increased emission of CO2 are the largest signal cause of global warming.
NOISE POLLUTION:
Noise is unwanted sound which is a dangerous pollutant hazardous to health. Noise magnitude is measured in Decibels (dB).
Noise pollution can cause lead to hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart attack and sleep disturbance.
SOLID WASTE :
Large scale bursting of Fire crackers also generate huge amount of solid waste in a form of packing materials, remains of fire crackers etc.
DIRECTIONS ISSUED BY HON’BLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA:
The following directions are issued for strict compliance by one and all-
Imposed restriction on the manufacture, sale & use of firecrackers not exceeding Noise level 125 dB (A1) or 145 dB(C) peak.
Use of high sounding instruments between 10.00 PM to 6.00 AM is not permitted.
Bursting of fire crackers between 10.00 PM to 6.00 AM is not permitted.
Bursting of fire crackers are prohibited at hospitals, educational institutions, places of worship.
This information will provide awareness to the public at large for control and safe use of fire crackers to make a happy and eco friendly DEEPAWALI.
Rishikesh
Senior Scientific Officer-II
Department of Science & Technology.