NEW DELHI: Delhi is bracing for its annual Diwali
pollution spike, and once again, the spotlight is on “green crackers” — fireworks marketed as an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional ones. Designed with smaller shells and fewer harmful chemicals, they are said to emit up to 30% less particulate matter and produce lower noise levels. But experts caution that even these supposedly cleaner options release hazardous ultrafine particles, casting doubt on how truly “green” they really are.
What Are Fireworks designed with reduced shell size, lower raw material content, improved composition and additives that suppress dust.
Emission Reduction:At least 30% less particulate matter (PM), or 20% less PM + 10% lower gaseous emissions (SO₂, NO₂)
Noise Limit: Below 125 decibels at 4 metres
Composition ComparisonGreen crackers use less harmful materials compared to conventional ones: Aluminium content drops from 34% to 29% (14% less), sulphur from 9% to 5% (44% less), and potassium nitrate from 57% to 28% (50% less). The cost of green crackers is also lower at Rs 95 compared to Rs 132 for conventional ones, and they reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions by at least 30%.
How to Identify Green CrackersLook for the green logo of CSIR-NEERI and PESO on the packaging. Each cracker also carries a QR or encrypted code for verification.
What Chemicals Can Lead ToContent of fireworks and health impacts
Black powder: Can trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, and long-term heart and lung diseases.
- Colouring agents:
- Aluminium may cause skin allergies and accumulate in the body.
- Strontium can lead to lung toxicity and weaken bones.
- Barium fumes are toxic and irritating.
- Copper is associated with cancer risk.
- Oxidising agents:
- Nitrates, chlorates, or perchlorates are poisonous to plants and animals and dangerous for unborn babies and children.
- Reducing agents (Sulphur): Contributes to acid rain and chronic health issues.
- Binders (dextrin, glue, paper): Can irritate eyes, nose, and mouth, cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting, and may harm liver, kidneys, and brain; some are linked to cancer.
Expert ConcernsDelhi Technological University study: Found high concentration of ultrafine particles, more harmful than PM2.5 & PM10
Experts note: Harmful emissions still persist, questioning the "green" tag.
Pollution from Conventional Firecrackers (PM2.5 at 1–6 ft)Different types of firecrackers emit varying levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), which can impact air quality and health.
- Snake tablet: Burns for about 3 minutes and emits 64,500 µg/m³ of PM2.5.
- Garland (1,000 Ladis): Burns for 6 minutes, releasing 38,450 µg/m³ of PM2.5.
- Pul Pul: Lasts 3 minutes, generating 28,950 µg/m³ of PM2.5.
- Sparkler (Fuljhadi): Burns for 3 minutes, emitting 10,390 µg/m³ of PM2.5.
- Ground spinner (Chakri): Burns for 5 minutes, with 9,490 µg/m³ of PM2.5.
- Flower pot (Anar): Lasts 5 minutes and produces 4,860 µg/m³ of PM2.5.
Delhi’s Diwali Air Quality Index (AQI) Trends- 2015–2016: With no bans in place, PM2.5 levels were high — 353–421 µg/m³ the day before Diwali, rising to 343–319 µg/m³ on Diwali day and peaking at 360–403 µg/m³ the day after.
- 2017–2018: The first Supreme Court ban in Delhi (2017) and the introduction of green crackers (2018) slightly moderated pollution. PM2.5 ranged from 315–321 µg/m³ before Diwali to 319–337 µg/m³ on Diwali day, and 368–400 µg/m³ the day after.
- 2019: Green crackers were allowed only between 8 pm and 10 pm. Despite the restricted hours, pollution surged, with PM2.5 reaching 374 µg/m³ the day before, 414 µg/m³ on Diwali, and 435 µg/m³ the day after.
- 2020–2024: Complete bans were imposed, though largely flouted. PM2.5 levels fluctuated from 307–414 µg/m³ before Diwali, 312–414 µg/m³ on Diwali, and 303–435 µg/m³ the day after, showing that the bans had limited effect in curbing pollution.