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3.5 Minute

25-07-2024 Team Medicover Public Health

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sateesh Kumar Kailasam, Emergency Medicine

Harmful Effects of Crackers on the Environment and Health

The tradition of burning crackers, especially during festivals like Diwali, is often seen as a joyous activity. However, it's essential to recognise the harmful effects of crackers on both human health and the environment.

This article explores the dangers of burning crackers, the chemicals used in crackers, and the pollution they generate. Additionally, we will examine the disadvantages of crackers during Diwali and provide a comprehensive understanding from both medical and environmental perspectives.

Why Burning of Crackers is Harmful

Burning crackers releases a significant amount of pollutants into the air. These pollutants include particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and various heavy metals. Inhaling these pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and exacerbate existing health conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to these harmful effects.

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Which Chemical is Used in Crackers

Crackers are made using a variety of chemicals that contribute to their explosive properties and vibrant colours. Some of the common chemicals used include:

Potassium Nitrate: Acts as an oxidiser and produces oxygen to sustain the combustion of the cracker.
Sulfur: Helps in the ignition and burning process.
Charcoal: Serves as a fuel source.
Aluminium: Used to create bright flashes and sparks.
Barium Nitrate: Produces green colours.
Strontium Nitrate: Creates red colours.
Copper Compounds: Generate blue hues.

These chemicals, when burned, release toxic fumes that contribute to air pollution and pose serious health risks.

Can Firecrackers Hurt You?

Yes, firecrackers can cause physical injuries in addition to environmental harm. Common injuries include:

Burns on hands, face, or eyes
Hearing damage from loud explosions
Eye injuries due to flying debris
Fire hazards to clothing, homes, and surroundings
Children are especially at risk due to a lack of supervision or improper use. Handling firecrackers without caution can result in severe injuries or permanent disability.

Firecracker Effects on Health

Exposure to firecracker smoke and chemicals can cause a wide range of health problems, including:

Respiratory issues: Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath
Eye irritation: Redness, watering, itching
Skin allergies: or rashes due to exposure to chemical residues
Stress and anxiety: especially among the elderly, infants, and people with asthma, bronchitis, or heart conditions, may lead to worsening symptoms after exposure.

How Crackers Affect the Environment

Air Pollution: Harmful gases and particulate matter degrade air quality.
Noise Pollution: Disturbs people, pets, and wildlife.
Soil & Water Contamination: Chemical residues from used crackers seep into the environment.
Wildlife Stress: Loud noise and air changes affect birds, dogs, and other animals.
Carbon Emissions: Crackers contribute to global warming.
Choosing eco-friendly celebrations can significantly reduce these harmful impacts.

Pollution Due to Crackers

The pollution caused by crackers is multifaceted. It includes air pollution, noise pollution, and even soil and water contamination. Air pollution from crackers is particularly concerning due to the release of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing severe health issues.

Noise pollution from crackers can lead to hearing loss, increased stress levels, and disturb wildlife. Additionally, the remnants of crackers can contaminate soil and water bodies, affecting plant and animal life.

Harmful Effects of Crackers on the Environment

The environmental impact of crackers is profound. The release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, contributes to global warming and climate change. The heavy metals and toxic chemicals released can settle on plants, affecting their growth and contaminating the food chain.

Moreover, the noise from crackers can disturb animals, leading to changes in behaviour, stress, and even death in some cases.

Firecrackers Effects on Animals

Firecrackers have a severe harmful effect on animals, both pets and wildlife. The loud noise causes intense fear, stress, and anxiety in dogs and cats, often making them hide, tremble, refuse food, or run away, which can result in accidents or injuries. Birds are highly sensitive to sudden sounds and may abandon their nests, collide with objects while fleeing, or even suffer heart failure due to shock. Stray animals get disoriented and displaced, losing their familiar territories or ending up on busy roads.

Horses and other large animals also show signs of panic, which can lead to self-injury. In addition to noise, firecrackers release harmful smoke and toxic chemicals that pollute the air, soil, and water, affecting the respiratory systems of animals. Overall, firecrackers cause fear, displacement, injury, and long-term health issues, highlighting the need for safer and more animal-friendly ways of celebrating festivals.

Disadvantages of Crackers During Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, often sees a significant spike in the use of crackers, leading to a corresponding increase in pollution levels. The disadvantages of crackers during Diwali include:

Air Quality Deterioration: The concentration of pollutants can reach hazardous levels, affecting the health of residents.
Increased Health Issues: Hospitals often report a surge in respiratory and cardiac problems during and after Diwali.
Environmental Degradation: The cumulative effect of the pollutants harms ecosystems, reduces biodiversity, and impacts overall environmental health.
Noise Disturbance: The loud noise from crackers can cause stress and anxiety in both humans and animals.

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How Much Pollution is Caused by Crackers in India?

Sharp Rise in Pollution: During Diwali, PM2.5 levels rise drastically, sometimes up to 875% higher than national standards.
Delhi Hotspot: In areas like Vivek Vihar, PM2.5 touched 1,853 µg/m³, which is 31 times higher than India’s safe limit and 124 times above WHO guidelines.
Short but Intense: Pollution peaks within a few hours of firecracker burning but usually returns to pre-festival levels within 24 hours.
Toxic Chemicals Released: Firecrackers emit harmful substances like aluminum, cadmium, lead, and manganese that linger in the air and affect health.
Massive Particulate Spike: Studies show Delhi’s PM2.5 concentration rose 16 times, while the elemental portion surged 46 times during Diwali.
Dominant Contribution: Nearly 95% of elemental PM2.5 during Diwali comes from firecrackers.
Health Hazards: The pollution triggers breathing problems, eye irritation, and worsens conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fireworks can trigger heightened stress, anxiety, and even panic attacks due to loud noises and unexpected flashes. People with PTSD or neurological conditions may experience worsened symptoms, disturbed sleep, and increased irritability.

Yes. Sudden loud noises from fireworks can cause spikes in heart rate and blood pressure, especially in people with pre-existing heart conditions. It may lead to palpitations or even cardiovascular events in severe cases.

Fireworks release harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), heavy metals, and toxic gases. These can irritate the lungs, eyes, and skin, and worsen conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease.

Fireworks can cause severe physical injuries such as burns, eye damage, hearing loss, and even limb loss in extreme cases. Improper handling can lead to permanent disability or life-threatening injuries.

Yes. Firecracker smoke contains chemicals and fine dust that can irritate the skin and eyes. Common reactions include rashes, itching, redness, and eye watering, especially in sensitive individuals or children.

Breathing in smoke from firecrackers can irritate lungs and worsen asthma.

Firecrackers release smoke and fine particles that irritate the lungs and eyes. They worsen asthma, bronchitis, and heart problems. Loud noise also causes stress, anxiety, and hearing damage.

They cause air pollution, releasing harmful gases and particles. They create noise pollution, leading to stress and hearing issues. They also trigger injuries like burns and accidents.

Avoid crackers to protect your health from smoke and noise. Prevent environmental pollution and save animals from stress. Save money, reduce accidents, and promoteeco-friendly celebrations.

Diwali pollution causes poor air quality and health risks. Noise disturbs children, elderly, and animals. Accidents from firecrackers also lead to injuries and burns.

Yes, loud firecracker sounds may increase stress in pregnant women. Sudden noise can affect heart rate and cause anxiety. Prolonged exposure may disturb fetal development.

Exact numbers vary each year and region. Many deaths occur due to accidents, fires, and mishandling of fireworks. Thousands more suffer burns and injuries during festivals.

Yes, fireworks produce sounds above 150 decibels, much higher than safe limits. This can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Children and elderly are more vulnerable.

Crackers release sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. These gases worsen respiratory problems and pollute the air. They also mix with fine particles to form smog.

Because crackers harm health, environment, and animals. They waste money and cause accidents. Eco-friendly celebrations are safer and healthier.

Yes, firework smoke can make you sick. It contains fine particles and harmful gases that irritate the lungs, throat, and eyes. People with asthma, allergies, or heart problems may feel worse during heavy smoke exposure.