Green Crackers Lower Emission Levels but Pollution Concerns Persist

Green firecrackers are designed to reduce air and noise pollution compared to traditional fireworks. They lower particulate matter emissions by a minimum of 30% and gaseous emissions by at least 10%, while keeping sound levels below 125 decibels at four meters.

These low-emission options alter the standard chemical formula by reducing sulphur, potassium nitrate, and aluminium contents, using a proprietary iron oxide material instead. Certain dangerous substances found in traditional fireworks, including barium nitrate, lithium, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, are completely prohibited in green fireworks.

Despite these reductions, green fireworks are not entirely safe for the environment. Research conducted by Delhi Technological University revealed that green crackers still release dense amounts of ultrafine particles, which pose greater health risks than standard PM2.5 or PM10 pollutants.

Over the years, India's Supreme Court and local authorities have attempted to regulate festive pollution in Delhi through selling bans, restricted bursting hours, and green cracker mandates. However, historical air quality measurements indicate that these restrictions have been regularly flouted, leaving elevated pollution levels during festival seasons.