Air Pollution: A Crime to Animal Kingdom

Air pollution uniquely affects all living organisms, unlike soil or water pollution. The air quality in several Indian cities deteriorates annually after Diwali, despite numerous awareness campaigns launched by NGOs and academics. Interestingly, these cities are inhabited predominantly by highly educated citizens. Several questions may arise in our minds:

1. Isn't air pollution a crime against innocent living organisms?

2. Why has the educated society become irresponsible?

3. Why don't governments act?

4. Is the bursting of firecrackers a part of religious practices?

5. When were firecrackers discovered?

6. What will be the impact on our health if it continues uncontrolled?

7. What is the solution to air pollution?

The answer to the first question is that it is indeed a crime by humans against all other living organisms to pollute the air or atmosphere. Other animals have the right to clean air and are not responsible for air pollution. It is unfortunate that many who compete to display their wealth by participating in an undeclared competition of bursting firecrackers are also animal or pet lovers.

Yes, many of us have become insensitive to others' lives, regardless of how often we run awareness campaigns not to pollute the air. Unlike those who smoke cigarettes despite health warnings, air polluters are causing significant harm to the health of humans and animals. They have no choice but to wait for the various diseases caused by air pollution. Isn't it a crime?

The government, which we elect, excels in engaging the public with various forms of entertainment to keep them content and occupied. Enacting strict laws is not a challenge, but the concern for votes prevails. Funny but it is a fact that significant contributors to air pollution through vehicle emissions are state-operated diesel buses and trucks used in construction work. Consequently, issues are often addressed only superficially, without any real action. 

The religious practices were created by humans for the betterment of life, and thus, the bursting of firecrackers should not be part of these practices. All religions advocate for the wellbeing of all life forms, so the use of firecrackers contradicts these teachings. The essence of Diwali is the lighting of lamps, a symbol of enlightenment, not the bursting of firecrackers.

The precursor to the firecracker was a type of bamboo that, when heated, would explode; this was used as early as 200 BCE. The Chinese term for firecrackers, "baozhu," translates to "exploding bamboo." Following the discovery of gunpowder, modern firecrackers were invented, yet the original name persisted. In traditional Chinese culture, firecrackers served to deter enemies and evil spirits.

Firecrackers are widely used to celebrate various holidays and festivals, including New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Halloween, Independence Day, Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, Tihar in Nepal, Day of Ashura in Morocco, Guy Fawkes Night, Bastille Day, and the Spanish Fallas, among others worldwide.

A firecracker's chemical makeup includes potassium perchlorate (up to 20%), barium nitrate (up to 50%), perlite powder (up to 8%), magnesium aluminium alloy (up to 20%), aluminium powder (up to 15%), titanium powder (up to 25%), and sulphur (up to 10%). The bursting of firecrackers produces various colors, primarily from different compounds of single or multiple elements. Common compounds include nitrates, carbonates, chlorides, chlorates, and oxalates of elements like strontium, copper, barium, sodium, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, and cadmium.

While bursting firecrackers is a traditional practice that brings temporary joy, it leads to significant air pollution, affecting our eyes, throat, lungs, heart, and skin. The loud noises from firecrackers also contribute to noise pollution, which can be distressing for the elderly, young children, and animals. Research reports indicate that a single sparkler emits over 10,390 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of ultrafine particulate matter (PM2.5) within just two minutes of ignition, a ground spinner releases 9,490 µg/m³ in five minutes, and a flowerpot discharges 4,860 µg/m³ in three minutes. This is particularly concerning for individuals with asthma or allergic bronchitis. The accumulation of such pollutants can lead to chronic respiratory diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), necessitating hospitalization and medication. The toxic gases released may cause severe Reactive Airway Dysfunction (RADS) and, in extreme cases, could potentially lead to certain cancers. Additionally, the sudden and loud explosions of firecrackers cause stress, fear, and anxiety in animals, who may also suffer adverse reactions to the chemicals contained within. In some cities, the Air Quality Index (AQI) soars dramatically during festival times due to firecracker use, posing a significant health concern for residents.

In response to pollution concerns, India's National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned the sale and use of firecrackers during the Diwali festival in 2020 in certain areas, which led to the creation of green crackers. These crackers are produced using cleaner raw materials that help reduce emissions by limiting dust production. It is estimated that they emit about 30% less and are quieter, with a noise level of 110-125 decibels compared to the 160 decibels of traditional firecrackers. Despite being labeled as green crackers, their environmental impact remains a topic of debate. The extent of their eco-friendliness is still questioned.

There are many ways to reduce air pollution, including:

Restriction: Since, the level of air pollution drastically increases during or after Diwali, it’s important to restrict use of firecrackers during winter season. Government should designate certain open public places where people should burst firecrackers with limited access. As government has imposed heavy taxes on cigarettes, similarly heavy taxes should be imposed on selling of firecrackers. People should opt for other options like laser shows instead of using firecrackers to decorate their houses. The competition of bursting firecrackers must be seen as social evil.

There are several other contributors to the air pollution, and we should think of:

i. We should drive less, carpool, use public transportation, bi-cycle, or walk. Government should make electric or hydrogen vehicles affordable to common people.

ii. We should adopt alternatives to stable burning and help industries to convert stables into useful organic solvents and chemicals.

iii. We should use renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal instead of fossil fuels. We should also use water-based cleaning products and eliminate the emission of toxic air pollutants by restricting ourselves not to burn polythene and plastic wastes, not to burn garbage, and limit backyard fires. The most important part is our alertness, and we must intervene whenever we see naked fire. We should adopt alternative methods or devices like central heating during winter. However, a policy change is also required to promote central heating, especially in areas where we witness heavy winter season. We should plant trees and adopt environmentally responsible and resource-efficient buildings.

Similarly, the government has a larger role to play by not paying attention to pretty politics for the larger interest of mankind. Governments can use data to help with environmental planning and management. Discussing cleanliness must include the purification of polluted air if we truly value human health. They can also create policies that incentivize companies to switch to renewable energy and production of chemicals from agricultural wastes. It's time to act now...!

Weeping Rose

16.11.2024