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Green Crackers NOT Eco-Friendly: Barium Found!
15 Oct
Summary
- NGO tested 17 firecracker varieties, finding hazardous barium.
- Barium is a banned substance, flagged as hazardous by Supreme Court.
- Four samples lacked chemical composition details, five had fake QR codes.
A nonprofit organization in Mumbai has raised concerns with the chief minister regarding the presence of hazardous chemicals, particularly barium, in firecrackers marketed as 'green'. Environmental activists tested 17 different types of firecrackers purchased from city markets between October 9-10.
The test results indicated substantial amounts of barium in several supposedly eco-friendly products. Barium, an earth metal, has been identified as hazardous and is banned for use in firecrackers by the Supreme Court. Some products displayed barium content as high as 27.405%.
Further investigation revealed packaging issues among the tested firecrackers. Four varieties did not list their chemical composition, and five failed to display QR codes. Of the 12 that did have QR codes, four were found to be fake upon verification using a specialized app. Additionally, eleven products omitted permissible noise level information.
The NGO urged authorities to enforce restrictions on the sale and use of these potentially toxic firecrackers, emphasizing the need for stricter scrutiny of licensed outlets. The letter also highlighted Mumbai's deteriorating air quality, with AQI slipping to 'moderate', and requested restrictions on loudspeakers and laser lights during festivals to curb pollution.
In response to the NGO's letter, the chief minister's office stated that the matter has been forwarded to the home department for appropriate action.
