'Cracker is cracker': Doctors warn of crisis over excessive use of green crackers
PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court on Wednesday cleared the sale and use of green crackers during Diwali in Delhi and nearby cities, effectively lifting its earlier blanket ban imposed due to rising air pollution in the national capital.
While green crackers are considered less harmful than conventional ones, they still contribute to pollution, according to chest surgeons, who called the term “green crackers” a misnomer.
“The word ‘green’ gives a false sense of safety and downplays the risks.”
“A cracker is still a cracker — burning it will release pollutants. The safest choice is not to burst crackers at all,” the doctor said.
Green Crackers vs. Traditional Firecrackers:
Developed by CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute), green crackers are designed to emit up to 30% less pollution by using fewer raw materials, smaller shells, and special dust suppressants.
Firecrackers, experts explain, are made up of harmful components that make them intrinsically dangerous for both environment and health.
A firecracker needs fuel, usually charcoal, along with oxidising and reducing agents to trigger an explosion. Heavy metals produce colours, and chemicals regulate burning speed. When burnt, these release toxic gases and fine particles that can cause acute breathing difficulty, trigger asthma and even lead to long-term lung diseases, such as fibrosis or cancer.
"The impact of this is both immediate and far-reaching. Emergency rooms overflow, OPD queues lengthen and exhausted medical teams are forced to stretch beyond capacity. "The problem isn't only the pollution outside, it's the chaos inside hospitals that follows," said one doctor.
"On Diwali, our staff works round the clock to manage patients gasping for breath. We celebrate the festival of lights, but every year it ends up dimming lives."
- PTC NEWS
