Restrict bursting crackers to cut smog: TNPCB

“In view of the prevailing climatic conditions and weather forecasts made for the next two days, it is obvious that the conditions are not conductive for normal dispersion of smoke and particulate matter in view of possible inversion. There will not be proper dispersion of smoke and there will be an increased ground level concentration of pollutants, which will result in respiratory problems, wheezing, throat irritation, lung infection and in general, drastically affect the public health,” stated a release from TNPCB. 

The atmospheric inversion of cold Deepavali night contributes to build up of pollutants and trapping of them under the same conditions resulting in formation of smog.’ 

“The firecrackers release pollutants and generate noise in the ambient air which has adverse impact on the general health of living beings residing in the area. It also has a significant impact on the birds and animals such as pet animals, stray dogs and cattle and should be sympathetically considered by the public.” 

Due to bursting of crackers, health risks from sulphur oxides and particulate pollution are very high because crackers contain chemicals such as arsenic sulphur, magnesium, sodium, iron, potassium chlorate, copper, manganese, cadmium, lead, zinc, nitrates, etc, which are likely to cause health issues. Hence, TNPCB has appealed to the public to restrict bursting of crackers.