At present, the Delhi-NCR region is reeling under extremely polluted atmosphere. Moreover, as Diwali is approaching the situation is expected to become even worse. In such situation, green sparklers could be of a lot of help.
The Environment Minister of India, Mr. Harsh Vardhan has announced the arrival of green crackers that scientists at two national labs i.e. the Central Electrochemical Research Institute and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute have developed.
These crackers contain 25 to 30 per cent less of particulate matter and good 50 per cent less sulphur-dioxide. Field trials of the new fireworks have shown a substantial deterioration of particulate matter, smoke, noise and toxic fumes, as claimed by the minister.
By replacing commonly used aluminum with magnesium and magnesium-based compounds, the researches have modified the chemical formulations of crackers.
Generally, crackers are made of alkali nitrates, aluminum powder of different grain sizes and in some cases a binder to enhance luminescence. The researchers replaced aluminum with magnesium to reduce ignition temperature and minimize particulate matter.
Thus, we can say that several highly toxic elements used in conventional fireworks like potassium nitrate and sulphur have either been reduced or replaced in the new technology.
These green firecrackers also meet the limits set by the Supreme Court, which had asked for crackers with lower emission levels.
However, the nodal agency for safety requirements in manufacture, storage, transport and use of all types of explosives and petroleum - Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization has still not approved these fireworks.
The timeline on when the new firecrackers will be launched in the markets has not been confirmed. Meanwhile, research on electronic crackers is also ongoing.
“Green crackers” have been devised and the technology will be shared with the industry soon. However, we do not see these crackers being made available in bulk, this season.
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