Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” is celebrated with joy across India, and bursting crackers is a common way of marking this celebration. However, while fireworks add sparkle, they also create problems for both human health and the environment. Here, we’ll discuss how crackers affect people and increase pollution, especially during Diwali.
Firecrackers in Diwali, A Celebratory Tradition
Firecrackers have become a significant part of Diwali celebrations, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Bursting crackers is believed to ward off evil spirits and add excitement to the festival. However, this ritual also leads to significant air and noise pollution, impacting health and the environment. Balancing tradition with eco-friendly practices like using green crackers can help keep the joy of Diwali while reducing harm.
How Firecrackers Affect Humans and Environment?
Firecrackers are often used in celebrations, but they have many harmful effects on the environment and human health. Here’s how they cause pollution and impact our surroundings.
Air Pollution
When crackers burst, they release harmful gases and chemicals like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and tiny particles into the air. These pollutants can linger for a long time, lowering air quality and causing breathing problems for people, especially those with respiratory issues.
Noise Pollution
Crackers are very loud, which can cause hearing damage and raise stress levels in both humans and animals. The loud noises from crackers also disturb wildlife, as animals can become frightened and disoriented by the sudden sounds.
Soil and Water Contamination
After crackers explode, their remnants often fall onto the ground. These leftover chemicals and materials can seep into the soil and nearby water bodies, harming plants and aquatic animals. This contamination can upset natural ecosystems and harm the health of plants, fish, and other animals.
Fire Accidents
A single spark from a cracker can ignite fires, leading to injuries and property damage. Firecracker-related accidents are common during celebrations, posing risks to both people and the places around them.
Impact on Wildlife
The loud sounds from fireworks are very stressful for animals, both wild and domestic. Fireworks can scare animals to the point where they may injure themselves in an attempt to escape the noise.
Contribution to Global Warming
Firecrackers release carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases, which can contribute to global warming. These gases increase the earth’s temperature, which affects climate patterns and natural environments worldwide.