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Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) lamented the rampant violation of its ban on use of toxic ingredients in the firecracker industry.
About
- The Supreme Court highlighted the findings of preliminary enquiry by the CBI into the firecracker industry, including in Tamil Nadu.
- A chemical analysis of the samples of finished and semi-finished firecrackers and raw materials taken from the manufacturers showed Barium content.
- The court stated that loose quantities of Barium were purchased from the market.
- Firecracker covers did not show the manufacture or expiry dates.
- The Supreme Court told the firecracker manufacturers that the right to life of innocent citizens was more precious than the right to employment of workers.
Image Courtesy: TH
Chemistry of fireworks
- Explosive fireworks depend on four primary ingredients —
- oxidiser,
- fuel,
- colouring agents &
- Binder.
Image Courtesy: ET
- The oxidisers in fireworks are chemicals that release oxygen to allow the explosion to take place. Ex: Nitrates, chlorates.
- The fuel for burning is usually charcoal.
- Colouring agents impart desired colours like aluminium compounds for brilliant whites, barium nitrate for greens.
- Binders are used to hold the mixture of the firework together in a paste while burning.
- Also, other metals like titanium & strontium are added to regulate the speed of the burning reaction.
Image Courtesy: ET
Existing Guidelines
- Currently, guidelines exist for four types of explosive firecrackers — atom bombs, Chinese crackers, garland crackers and maroons.
- The guidelines for these were drawn by PESO in 2008 after the Supreme Court ordered it to regulate their composition.
- According to these guidelines, the sulphur, nitrate & aluminium power contents must not exceed 20%, 57%, & 24% respectively.
- In July 2016 the SC ordered that no firecrackers shall contain antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic and lead.
Image Courtesy: ET
Benefits of Banning Toxic Firecrackers
- Eco-Friendly Diwali- Lesser Air Pollution
- Lesser Noise Pollution
- Lesser diseases
- Lesser Clutter Post-Diwali
- Lesser Accidents
- Avoiding Inhuman Conditions of Workers
- Fewer Disturbances to Animals and Birds
- Fewer Chinese Products
- Money Savings
Challenges
- Sale and manufacture regulation
- Behavioral change amongst people
- Regulating time for bursting
- Making switch by industry towards improved or green crackers
Way Forward
- There should be a balance between employment, unemployment and the right to life and health of citizens.
- Lives of many can not be sacrificed for a few.
- The prime focus should be the right to life of innocent people.
What are Green Crackers?
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Source: TH
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