The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has come up with new and improved formulations in the manufacture of sound-emitting crackers and other fireworks keeping in view the pollution hazard and health risks.
Green Crackers
Traditionally, firecrackers have been made with barium nitrate, antimony and a range of metals that have been linked to respiratory diseases and even cancer.
A group of research institutes of the CSIR had begun work on ‘green crackers,’ namely fireworks without barium nitrate.
The Nagpur-based NEERI eventually hit upon formulations that substituted barium nitrate with potassium nitrate and zeolite.
The ‘green’ versions of the ‘flower pot’, one of the most popular fireworks have a mixture of water and lime that is chemically stored in the cracker. When lit, the effulgence also triggers water and the makers claim that the moisture wets the dust-and-smoke particles.
NEERI claims that tests in its laboratories have seen a reduction of nearly 30% in particulate matter (PM) and also reduced the release of sulphur-dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions.
Green sparklers use 32% potassium nitrate, 40% aluminum powder, 11% aluminum chips, and 17% “proprietary additives” to reduce particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 to 30%.
