Diwali 2025: How are green firecrackers different from regular ones? Here’s how they are made and why they are safer

During Diwali, bursting firecrackers is a popular tradition, but it can seriously harm the environment. Loud firecrackers increase air and noise pollution and can be dangerous for people with heart problems and for birds. Millions of people bursting firecrackers at the same time during Diwali causes the air to fill with smoke and harmful gases, making pollution levels rise sharply.  Because of this, many state governments strictly control the use of firecrackers. This year, however, the Delhi government has allowed the use of eco-friendly green firecrackers.

Traditional firecrackers contain harmful chemicals which create bright lights but also pollute the air. Using green firecrackers helps reduce harmful emissions while still letting people enjoy the festival.

What is in firecrackers?

Firecrackers are made by mixing sulfur, oxidizers, stabilizers, reducing agents, and various color chemicals. Some commonly used chemicals include antimony sulfide, barium nitrate, lithium, copper, aluminum, and strontium. When burned, these substances release toxic gases, which sharply reduce air quality (AQI) and can turn the sky dark during Diwali.

Since Diwali usually falls near winter, the combination of smoke and fog makes the situation worse. The smoke from firecrackers lingers in the air for a long time, causing the Air Quality Index to drop significantly, especially in large cities like Delhi, where pollution levels are already high.

This polluted air can harm people’s health, particularly those with heart or lung problems.

Green Firecrackers are safer for the environment

Green firecrackers are considered environment-friendly and safe for the environment. Unlike traditional firecrackers, they do not contain harmful chemicals such as aluminium, barium, potassium nitrate, or carbon. Instead, they use less harmful substances, which significantly reduce air pollution.

Green crackers feed on carbon compounds and barium chloride instead of these traditional chemicals. This change allows for the decrease of emissions of sulphur oxide, nitrous oxide, and particulate matter (dust) like PM2.5 and PM10 by 30-40%.

Green firecrackers are smaller in size and produce less noise, so they also help in reducing noise pollution. Although they are slightly more expensive than regular firecrackers, they are considered a better and responsible choice for celebrating festivals while protecting the environment.

How to identify genuine green crackers?

• CSIR–NEERI logo and certification
• QR code/barcode for verification
• Manufacturer name and license number
• Sales through authorised or licensed vendors