Probe shows use of toxic material in firecrackers

Probe shows use of toxic material in firecrackers

Part of: Prelims and GS II – Health and GS-III – Pollution 

Context The Supreme Court said a preliminary enquiry by the CBI into the firecracker industry, including in Tamil Nadu, revealed rampant violation of its ban on use of toxic ingredients like barium and its salts.

Background 

• In an order in March 2020, the court ordered the CBI Joint Director in Chennai to conduct a “detailed” probe . 
• The CBI was directed to examine the allegations of violation of the court ban in 2018.

Key findings of the probe

• 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. 

What is barium? 

• Barium is a chemical element having atomic number 56. 
• It is a soft, silvery alkaline earth metal. 
• Because of its high chemical reactivity, barium is never found in nature as a free element.

• Applications: 

• • As a component of  high-temperature superconductors and electroceramics 
  • Added to steel and cast iron to reduce the size of carbon grains 
  • Added to fireworks to impart a green color.
  • As X-ray radiocontrast agents for imaging the human gastrointestinal tract. 
  • As rodenticides. 

• Harmful effects: 

• • Soluble barium compounds are poisonous. 
  • In higher doses, they affect the nervous system, causing cardiac irregularities, tremors, weakness, anxiety, etc. 
  • However, Barium is not carcinogenic and does not bioaccumulate.