Context: Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) lamented the rampant violation of its ban on use of toxic ingredients in the firecracker industry.
Issue

• The Supreme Court highlighted the findings of preliminary enquiry by the CBI into the firecracker industry, including in Tamil Nadu.
• A chemical analysis of the samples of finished and semi-finished firecrackers and raw materials taken from the manufacturers showed Barium content.
• The court stated that loose quantities of Barium were purchased from the market. 
• Firecracker covers did not show the manufacture or expiry dates.

Issues with Barium

• Barium nitrate, which emits green flames when a cracker is lit, is a metal oxide that increases both air and noise pollution.
• There is is no clarity on whether barium nitrate can actually be used or not.

Alternatives: Green Crackers

• The new CSIR-NEERI formulation for green crackers has NO barium nitrate — one of the key ingredients of traditional firecrackers.
• These crackers have been named “safe water releaser (SWAS)”, “safe minimal aluminium (SAFAL)” and “safe thermite cracker (STAR)”.
• The three crackers release water vapour or air as a dust suppressant and diluent for gaseous emissions.
• These products can only be manufactured by those who have signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with CSIR-NEERI.
• The green crackers are sold with a unique logo on the box, and will also have a QR code with production and emission details.

Explosive fireworks depend on four primary ingredients — 

• oxidiser, 
• fuel, 
• colouring agents & 
• Binder.

The Supreme Court told the firecracker manufacturers that the right to life of innocent citizens was more precious than the right to employment of workers.

• The oxidisers in fireworks are chemicals that release oxygen to allow the explosion to take place. Ex: Nitrates, chlorates.
• The fuel for burning is usually charcoal.
• Colouring agents impart desired colours like aluminium compounds for brilliant whites, barium nitrate for greens.
• Binders are used to hold the mixture of the firework together in a paste while burning.
• Also, other metals like titanium & strontium are added to regulate the speed of the burning reaction.

Harmful elements used

• Copper: Irritates the respiratory tract.
• Cadmium: Leads to anemia by reducing the capacity of blood to carry oxygen.
• Zinc: Can cause metal fume fever and induces vomiting.
• Lead: Harms the nervous system.
• Magnesium: Metal fume fever is caused by Magnesium fumes.
• Sodium: It is a highly reactive element and caused burns when it is combined with moisture.