Health Expert Warns: "Green Crackers" Still Harmful to Air Quality and Public Health During Diwali

Supreme Court has approved the sale and use of green crackers in Delhi on Diwali.

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted approval for the sale and use of green crackers during Diwali in Delhi and surrounding areas, removing its earlier complete prohibition on firecrackers due to the national capital's air pollution concerns. Dr. Arvind Kumar, Delhi's prominent chest surgeon, described green crackers as a "misnomer," stating that while they produce less pollution than traditional firecrackers, they still contribute to environmental contamination.

Professor-Doctor Arvind Kumar, Founder and Trustee at Lung Care Foundation and Chest Surgeon at Medanta - The Medicity, explained to NDTV, "The term 'green' seems misleading as it diminishes the perception of risk associated with these crackers." He emphasized, "A cracker is a cracker. Burning any cracker will generate pollution. The most effective way to protect yourself is to avoid bursting crackers altogether."

Green Crackers vs Traditional Firecrackers

Green firecrackers, developed by CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute), reportedly generate 30 percent less pollution due to reduced raw material usage, smaller shell size, and the incorporation of dust suppressants.

Green crackers are claimed to produce 30 percent less pollution.

Dr. Kumar noted, "Traditional crackers contain mercury, lead, heavy metals, barium, and other toxic substances. While green crackers supposedly contain significantly lower amounts of these toxic elements, they aren't completely free from them."

Double Standards On Air Pollution?

On Tuesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented restrictions under stage one of the graded response action plan (GRAP-1) as the air quality index surpassed 200. GRAP-1 targets dust control at construction sites, waste management, and emission reduction.

Dr. Kumar observed, "The implementation of GRAP indicates rising pollution levels. Increased vehicular traffic during festivals also contributes significantly to pollution."

Pollution levels typically rise during Delhi's winter season. Dr. Kumar believes that adding emissions from crackers will only exacerbate the existing problem.

"Higher concentrations of toxic gases and substances in the air lead to greater health damage. While green crackers may release lower levels of pollutants, they will still increase overall pollution," he added.

Pollution Is Coming, And So Is A Rise In Health Emergencies

Drawing from experience, Dr. Kumar reported that hospitals see an increase in chest, heart, and brain ailments, pneumonia, and worsening bronchial asthma cases after Diwali. Pollution levels generally rise during October, November, December, and January due to various factors. Cracker emissions add to this existing pollution burden.

Delhi is notorious for its winter air pollution.

"Seven to ten days following peak pollution levels, both private and government hospitals report increased emergency admissions. There's a documented higher incidence of heart attacks and paralytic episodes during months of increased pollution, including the post-Diwali period," he elaborated.

Immediate effects include red watery eyes, nasal irritation, sore throat, and coughing.

"Long-term effects include various cancers in children, premature hypertension in children, 10-20 times higher risk of brain attack and heart attack, lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, various endocrine disorders, and most alarmingly, even obesity and diabetes are now being associated with pollution exposure. Air pollution causes disease, decreases performance, and leads to premature death," Dr. Kumar had previously stated in an NDTV interview.