Firecracker norms up in smoke

Pollution test for crackers reveals many of them to be too ‘smoky’

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officials on Tuesday conducted a pre-Diwali decibel and pollution test of firecrackers at the RCF ground in Chembur. The officials have found that although most firecrackers complied with noise-level standards, some may add to air pollution due to the high levels of smoke they emanate.

The preliminary decibel test conducted by the MPCB indicates that the firecrackers that make less noise and emanate more smoke may increase the level of air pollution. These polluting crackers will be sent for chemical analysis, and if found to be leading to pollution, will be banned for sale and use. During the chemical analysis of the firecrackers, the content of chemicals such as nickel, cadmium, zinc etc would be checked.

The permissible decibel limit for a series firecracker is 90 dB to 110 dB, while for a single category firecracker it is 125 dB. Among the 24 firecrackers tested on Tuesday in the single category, Thriller Bomb of Charminar Firework Industries had the maximum sound level, i.e. 99.9 dB. In the series category, Veerlaxmi Fireworks ‘1000 wala’ was found to be highest on preliminary reading, i.e. 116.2 dB (the final reading is yet to be done).

The scientific officer of MPCB, S.C. Kollur, explained, “In order to know the exact reading of the series firecrackers, the readings are to be calculated with the help of a formula. We will come up with the final readings of the series-categorised firecrackers on Wednesday to ascertain if they violate norms for noise pollution.”

The MPCB officials will also conduct the chemical analysis of these firecrackers. Two firecrackers, Color Smoke and Swastik Wheels of Standard Fireworks, were observed to be noiseless, but extremely smoky.

The founder of Awaaz Foundation, Sumaira Abdulali, stated these two firecrackers to be ‘risky’ and ‘extremely smoky’. “The firecrackers, though, seem to be within permissible noise limits, but their air pollution level seems to be high. This is a matter of concern,” he said.

Sanjay Bhuskute, a public relations officer of the MPCB, said, “Although the firecracker companies have come out with noiseless crackers, they are now more smoke-emanating, which would take air pollution to a high level.”