The Silent Cry of Our Burning Planet : Hidden Beneath the Thrill of Firecrackers
Shantanu Kumar Sahoo
"Passionate WASH Professional | Expertise in Plastic Waste Management, FSSM,WASH, and Advocate for Human Rights in WASH"
Abstract: Out of the 100,000 to 120,000 tons of firecrackers produced annually in India, if approximately 100,000 tons are burned, the environmental toll is staggering. This combustion releases vast quantities of harmful pollutants: 2,500 tons of particulate matter (PM2.5), 4,500 tons of Sulphur dioxide (SO?), 1,500 tons of nitrogen oxides (NO?), 7,000 tons of carbon monoxide (CO), and 150 tons of heavy metals. These emissions contribute significantly to air pollution and pose severe long-term health risks, particularly in densely populated urban areas, underscoring the urgent need to rethink our celebration practices.
Firecrackers have long been a staple of festive celebrations around the world, lighting up the night sky and filling the air with sound and colour. From Diwali in India to New Year's Eve globally, these explosive devices have become synonymous with joy, festivity, and cultural heritage. Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolizes joy, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil.
However, amidst the celebrations, a critical question arises: Are we truly celebrating life or are we endangering it. The bright flashes of firecrackers may provide momentary joy, but the aftermath—polluted air, contaminated soil and water, and traumatized animals—profoundly undermines the very essence of this festival.
The Hidden Cost of Firecrackers
Firecrackers, often perceived as harmless bursts of colour and sound, come with severe consequences. They release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, including particulate matter (PM2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO?), nitrogen oxides (NO?) (Including Nitric Oxide (NO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO?)), and carbon monoxide (CO). These pollutants contribute to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and heightened health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Each year, hospitals witness a surge in respiratory issues around Diwali, a stark reminder of the cost of our festive indulgences.
Burden on Air Quality
According to studies by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and research conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) just one hour of firecracker use can produce pollution equivalent to 500,000 vehicles on the road. During Diwali in cities like Delhi, air quality can plummet from moderate levels to hazardous, with pollution levels soaring to dangerous heights. Burning 500 grams of firecrackers can release over 100 grams of heavy metals and toxic gases into the air.
A typical firecracker releases around 60 grams of CO2. When One Billion of people celebrate in India only with firecrackers, the cumulative CO2 emissions contribute significantly to the carbon footprint.
On average, a single firecracker can emit up to 10 grams of particulate matter. During mass celebrations, this can rise dramatically, contributing to poor air quality and respiratory problems.
In densely populated urban areas, the burning of firecrackers can increase PM2.5 levels by 30-50 times above the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended safe limit
·???????? According to a report by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), firecracker emissions can account for up to 30-50% of the total pollution load during the days surrounding Diwali, especially in areas where cracker bans are not effectively enforced.
·???????? Firecrackers contribute to extreme noise pollution, often exceeding 120-140 decibels—far above the safe limit of 85 decibels for human ears. This impacts not only humans but also animals, causing distress and potential hearing loss.
The Burden on Environment as whole
Firecrackers not only impact human health but also severely harm the environment. They release heavy metals like lead and cadmium, contaminating soil and water sources and disrupting ecosystems. For animals, Diwali is a distressing time; loud explosions induce panic, causing wildlife to abandon their habitats and leading to unnecessary suffering.
India Produces firecracker around 100,000 to 120,000 tons annually according to the combination of reports from Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), The Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amerces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA) and NGT reports)
Average Pollutants Released from Firecrackers
The key pollutants from firecrackers and their average emissions per ton are estimated as:
Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs.
o??? Average emission: 20-30 kg per ton of firecrackers.
Sulphur Dioxide (SO?): A major contributor to acid rain and respiratory issues.
o??? Average emission: 40-50 kg per ton of firecrackers.
Nitrogen Oxides (NO?): Contributes to smog formation and respiratory problems.
o??? Average emission: 10-20 kg per ton of firecrackers.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas that can cause poisoning.
o??? Average emission: 60-80 kg per ton of firecrackers.
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Heavy Metals (e.g., Barium, Lead): Toxic metals used in coloring effects.
o??? Average emission: 1-2 kg per ton of firecrackers.
For example, if 100,000 tons of firecrackers were burned across India, the resulting release of pollutants would be significant as follows.
Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Emissions: 100,000tons×25kg/ton=2,500,000kg=2,500tons
Sulphur Dioxide (SO?) Emissions: 100,000tons×45kg/ton=4,500,000kg=4,500tons?
Nitrogen Oxides (NO?) Emissions: 100,000tons×15kg/ton=1,500,000kg=1,500tons?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Emissions: 100,000tons×70kg/ton=7,000,000kg=7,000tons?
Heavy Metals Emissions: 100,000tons×1.5kg/ton=150,000kg=150tons?
When 100,000 tons of firecrackers are burned every year, thousands of tons of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals. These emissions have significant environmental and health impacts, contributing to air pollution, respiratory illnesses, and ecosystem damage, particularly in densely populated urban areas where firecracker use is most intense
Health Risks of Particulate Matter and other pollutants
A Question of Responsibility
The firecracker industry in India is a double-edged sword. According to Industry Associations: The Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amerces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA) and NGT reports, it provides economic sustenance to nearly 800,000 to 1 million people, both directly and indirectly and contributing 5000-6000 crore business annually, but at the cost of severe environmental degradation and health impacts. With the burning of 100,000 to 120,000 tons of firecrackers each year, the temporary thrill of celebrating festivals like Diwali leads to a lasting burden on the ecosystem and public health.
While some argue that firecrackers are a cherished tradition, it’s essential to reevaluate what we celebrate. Diwali is meant to signify the victory of light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance. Continuing to use firecrackers in the face of their harmful effects contradicts the festival's true spirit.
While celebration is essential to cultural expression, we must rethink the true cost of firecrackers, not just in economic terms, cherishing tradition but in the toll, they take on our air, water, and health. Balancing the joy of festivals with responsibility towards the environment is necessary for future generations through transitioning towards eco-friendly practices, stricter regulations, and providing alternative livelihoods for firecracker industry workers are crucial to addressing this dilemma.
Balancing Employment, celebration and Environmental Sustainability
While the firecracker industry provides employment to hundreds of thousands of people, its environmental and health impacts pose a significant challenge. A balanced approach is needed to address these issues:
Shifting to Eco-Friendly Alternatives: The introduction of green crackers, which produce fewer pollutants, is a step in the right direction. However, their adoption is still limited, and they only marginally reduce the overall environmental impact.
Promoting Alternative Livelihoods: For regions like Sivakasi, which are highly dependent on firecracker production, the government could explore and invest in alternative industries such as renewable energy or eco-friendly manufacturing to provide sustainable livelihoods.
Balancing Tradition and Sustainability: While traditions hold value, they must evolve supporting environmental Sustainability. Many communities are already rethinking their approaches to celebration. Here are some alternatives that honor cultural practices while promoting sustainability:
Policy and Regulation: Stringent regulation of the firecracker industry, including limits on production and the promotion of eco-friendly alternatives, is essential. Effective implementation of bans on high-pollution crackers in urban areas can also mitigate environmental damage.
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