NO GUIDELINES TO CHECK CHEMICALS IN CRACKERS

Experts said that there are no proper guidelines to check the chemical composition of explosives and crackers and their impact on air quality. At present, Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) is the only body that exercises any check on products. “The industry is secretive. There are no guidelines on the maximum amount of sulphur or nitrogen oxide used in a cracker. In order to make crackers vibrant, the manufacturer is free to add whatever chemicals he wants,” said Mr Sagar Dhara, an air quality expert.

This makes regulation problematic. “The air pollution levels will be impacted in certain belts,” said Mr P. Veeranna, senior scientist with TSPCB.