Jose K Joseph
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Oct 20: Studies by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have shown that firecrackers used at celebrations such as Ravan Podi cause sound and air pollution on a massive scale.
Most people are still unaware of or indifferent to the impact of firecrackers and use them without restraint.
“The demand for loud, colourful crackers is high; and we haven’t received any regulation notice from the authorities concerned on the sale of firecrackers,” Sharat Pradhan, a wholesaler from Cuttack, said.
Environment experts have stated that the noise produced by firecrackers used in the capital is above 125 decibels, which is the limit the Supreme Court had set in 1999.
The apex court also banned bursting of firecrackers between 10pm and 6am. These rules are generally thrown to the winds in the heat of festivity.
Hadibandhu Panigrahi, the regional officer of Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) told Orissa POST that the board has already issued orders to police and district authorities to prevent the sale of high-decibel firecrackers.
Environmental scientists have stated that the chemicals released by firecrackers pollute air. Most firecrackers contain copper, cadmium, sulphur and aluminium. Once a cracker explodes, the components react with atmospheric oxygen to produce compounds such as sulphur dioxide. Also, metal dust from crackers remains suspended in the air for long and leads to ailments.
Studies have shown that firecracker emissions can cause heart attacks, stroke, asthma attacks and irritation of eyes, among other conditions.
Firecrackers also frighten animals and birds, according to animal behaviourists and ornithologists.
Scientists have found that animals exposed to loud sounds suffer from behavioral changes. Organisations such as People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are, therefore, promoting crackers-free celebrations.