Chemicals in Diwali Crackers

Diwali, the Festival of Lights in Indian Homes is synonymous with lamps, candles and fireworks as the people rejoice in the joy with loved ones. Being aware of high noise levels and air pollution during Diwali, let us have a look at the various toxic chemicals used in the fireworks.

Noticing colorful sparks in the sky always brings a smile on your face. But ever wondered what made these sparks colorful and how good are those sparks for the Environment? Creating firework colors is a complex process different colors are the results of different elements.

Major salts used for fireworks are

• Barium salts
• Calcium salts
• Potassium salts
• Sodium salts
• Lithium salts
• Strontium salts
• Copper salts
• Chromium salts

• Toxic Element	Fireworks Usage	Toxic Effect of Fallout Dust & Fumes
  Aluminum	brilliant whites	Contact dermatitis, bioaccumulation
  Antimony sulfide	glitter effects	Toxic smoke, possible carcinogen
  Arsenic compounds	Used as colorants. Sadly still out there.	Toxic ash can cause lung cancer, skin irritation and wart formation.
  Barium Nitrate	glittering greens	Poisonous. Fumes can irritate respiratory tract. Possible radioactive fallout.
  Copper compounds	blues	Polychlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans. Can bioaccumulate. Cancer risk.
  Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)	Use was supposed to be banned globally.	Persistent environmental toxin. Is a carcinogen, mutagen and a reproductive hazard.
  Lead Dioxide / Nitrate / Chloride	oxidizer	Bioaccumulation, developmental danger for kids & unborn babes, may remain airborne for days, poisonous to plants & animals
  Lithium compounds	blazing reds	Toxic and irritating fumes when burned
  Mercury (Mercurous chloride)	chlorine donor	Toxic heavy metal. Can bioaccumulate.
  Nitric oxide	fireworks byproduct	Toxic by inhalation. Is a free radical
  Nitrogen dioxide	fireworks byproduct	Highly toxic by inhalation. SIDS risk
  Ozone	fireworks byproduct	Greenhouse gas that attacks & irritates lungs
  Perchlorate –Ammonium & Potassium	propellant / oxidizer	Can contaminate ground & surface waters, can cause thyroid problems in humans & animals
  Potassium Nitrate	in black powder	Toxic dusts, carcinogenic sulfur-coal compounds
  Strontium compounds	blazing reds	Can replace calcium in the body. Strontium chloride is slightly toxic.
  Sulfur Dioxide	gaseous byproduct of sulfur combustion	Acid rain from sulphuric acid affects water sources, vegetation & causes property damage. SIDS risk.

  Basic Principle behind these colors is Excitation and de-excitation of electrons present in the atoms of salts.

  Celebrate eco-friendly Diwali