Why has Delhi banned crackers until January 1? How much harm do fireworks cause to the body?

In a decisive move to combat the choking smog that engulfs the capital each winter, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government has slammed the brakes on fireworks until January 1, 2025.

On Monday, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and usage of firecrackers in Delhi, just ahead of the festive season.

Rai said that the use of firecrackers during this period significantly exacerbates pollution levels, leading to detrimental effects on public health.

But how exactly do these firecrackers impact our health? Let’s take a closer look.

Delhi’s blanket ban on firecrackers

The ban on firecrackers aims to tackle the capital’s recurring air pollution crisis, which worsens significantly during the winter months, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai said.

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“This measure is essential to protect citizens from the worsening pollution caused by firecrackers. The ban extends to online delivery and sales, leaving no room for ambiguity,” Rai further said.

Each year, the capital faces a public health crisis, in the run-up to and during most of the winter season. The crisis is exacerbated when pollution from farm fires in Punjab and Haryana combines with firecracker emissions during Diwali to skyrocket the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital past 400 and even 450, to reach pollution levels of “severe” and “severe-plus”.

To combat this air pollution menace, the Supreme Court in 2018 banned all conventional firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, and allowed only “green” crackers without barium salts to be burst in the region. However, due to difficulty in distinguishing between “green” and conventional crackers, the state government since 2020 began imposing a blanket ban on all firecrackers every winter.

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On Monday, Rai said have robust plans in place to ensure the effective implementation of the firecracker ban. They said they have developed a joint action plan in coordination with the Delhi Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and the Revenue Department.

Additionally, Rai said the AAP-led government is preparing a winter action plan in the national capital, based on the 21 focus points to control air pollution in the city. Plus, they will launch a series of campaigns will be launched in the coming weeks as part of this plan, urging residents to cooperate in efforts to reduce pollution.

However, every year the firecracker ban has little effect on the ground. A thriving black market emerges, selling firecrackers openly across NCR and by Diwali, these regulations are frequently and openly violated, resulting in the city being enveloped in a dense haze for days.

Those who oppose the firecracker ban argue that it interferes with festivals and traditions, and there are much bigger reasons for pollution in Delhi.

“Without controlling stubble and dust pollution, the people of Delhi cannot get relief. Every year, the traditional joy and enthusiasm of Hindus on Diwali is destroyed by banning firecrackers on Diwali. At least green firecrackers should be allowed,” BJP leader and South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said.

How do firecrackers cause pollution?

Firecrackers dazzle with a mix of oxidisers, fuel, colouring agents, and binders. Oxidisers like nitrates and chlorates release oxygen, while charcoal, the commonest fuel in Indian fireworks, fuels the explosion.

Colours in firecrackers come from chemicals like aluminium for white, barium nitrate for green, and copper for blue whereas binders keep everything together. Firecrackers also have metals like aluminium, titanium, copper, strontium, barium that regulate the reaction speed of these chemicals.

Yet, these very ingredients are problematic. As firecrackers burst, they release toxic pollutants that can harm respiratory health and the environment, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Health hazards of firecrackers

Firecrackers unleash a hazardous mix of pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5) and toxic gases such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. These tiny particles can deeply infiltrate the lungs, causing severe respiratory issues, especially for those with asthma or bronchitis, Dr Ridhima Mahadeva from Zigly, Panchkula told ABP News.

The health ministry’s advisory highlights that even short-term exposure to this pollution can trigger acute symptoms, including eye irritation, cough, difficulty breathing, and headaches.

For pregnant women, firecracker pollution poses additional risks. Dr Sunipa Chatterjee from Techno India Dama Hospital told ABP News that “During the early stages of pregnancy, exposure to loud sounds, such as those produced by firecrackers, can potentially lead to stress and anxiety for the expecting mother."

She adds, “Prolonged exposure to high noise levels may even affect the developing foetus, as it is more susceptible to external stimuli. Loud noises can cause elevated levels of stress hormones in the mother’s body, which may indirectly affect the growing foetus."

Children are particularly vulnerable too. A 2007 study published in Atmospheric Environment, found that their weaker defences and higher physical activity levels make them more susceptible to the harmful effects of firecracker pollutants.

It’s crucial to understand these health risks and explore safer celebrations to protect our well-being and those around us.

With input from agencies