Heavymetaltestofcrackersis notmusic tomumbai’shealth

Awaaz study reveals presence of ‘extremely dangerous’ metals and other oxides

MUMBAI: A chemical analysis and heavy-metal test by city-based environment group Awaaz Foundation of different firecrackers up for sale this Diwali found the presence of hazardous materials.

According to a scientist, the metal oxides mentioned in the test are extremely dangerous to children and senior citizens

Of the 36 types of crackers tested earlier this week in a private laboratory, lead was detected in 14 firecrackers, the use of which has been banned by the Supreme Court (SC). An order by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) last year, accessed by HT, read, “All fireworks manufacturers are advised to strictly comply with SC orders and no fireworks shall be manufactured, which contain antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic and lead in any form whatsoever.”

On October 23, the SC had passed an order directing all states to use ‘green’ firecrackers for a stipulated time of two hours. On Wednesday, the SC modified its order by allowing all states, except the NCR, to use existing stock of firecrackers this Diwali but the time limit persisted.

In the test, while three crackers had chromium, metal oxides such as sulphur trioxide was present in all 36 crackers, phosphorus pentoxide in 18, and vanadium pentoxide in 22. All these metals and oxides are listed as hazardous and toxic chemicals under a notification passed by the union environment ministry ( see box).

The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies lead as one of the top 10 most dangerous chemicals. The report, however, did not identify the percentage of metal or metal oxide in each firecracker. The results of a separate test to detect mercury levels will be released as a second part to this study.

Chemicals and metals are added to firecrackers for their light-producing qualities and released into the air when the crackers are burst.

“Various metals identified

under the study have significant adverse health effects and contribute to air pollution,” said Sumaira Abdulali, convener, Awaaz Foundation. The group has written to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and various state government officials highlighting the study.

“Toxic emissions from crackers that have all the metal oxides mentioned in the study are extremely dangerous, for children and senior citizens,” said D Saha, scientist and former additional director, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

“A firecracker can only be declared hazardous after understanding the exact percentage of chemicals in it,” said Gufran Beig, project director, System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).