After SC order, focus on chemicals in firecrackers:

After SC order, focus on chemicals in firecrackers:

Context:

The Supreme Court barred manufacturers from using five specified chemicals ‘in any form whatsoever’ to prevent air pollution.

Introduction:

The apex court ban the use of antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic and lead in the manufacture of firecrackers to prevent air pollution has turned the focus on what chemicals are used to produce spectacular visual effects and noise.

Background:

• A Supreme Court Bench of Justices Madan B. Lakur and Deepak Gupta had on July 31, in an order, directed that no firecrackers manufactured by the respondents shall contain the chemicals in any form, whatsoever.
• The court entrusted the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) with the responsibility of ensuring compliance particularly in Sivakasi.
• Over 90% of cracker production is done in Sivakasi
• The court also noted it appeared that no standards have been laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) with regard to air pollution caused by the bursting of firecrackers.

Impact of using chemicals:

• The sound and light show is produced by chemicals such as sulphur, aluminium powder and charcoal (used as fuel), besides potassium nitrate and barium nitrate (as oxidizing agents).
• Aluminium powder, sulphur and potassium nitrate go into noise making crackers, while barium nitrate and strontium nitrate (red) emit light
• Aluminium powder is used in sparklers
• A combination of barium nitrate and strontium nitrate is varying proportions produces different colours.
• Potassium chlorate and potassium perchlorate are friction-sensitive and accident prone, if used in combination with sulphur.