Mumbai Firecracker Tests Reveal Undisclosed Chemicals, Fake QR Codes; Noise Levels Fall From 144.9 dB To 93 dB
Mumbai, November 7, 2026: A chemical analysis of firecrackers tested by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Awaaz Foundation last week has revealed that QR codes on the packaging were either fake, unreadable or failed to accurately disclose the chemical composition of the fireworks. Several samples contained barium, a chemical that can cause gastrointestinal, cardiovascular,…
Mumbai's firecracker tests have revealed undisclosed chemicals and fake QR codes, according to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Awaaz Foundation. The analysis of 17 samples found barium, a toxic chemical, in several firecrackers despite not being listed on their labels. Brands like Solar Laser, 7th Sense, and Golden Duck contained barium, calcium, chlorine, phosphorus, and iron, which were not mentioned in their ingredient lists.
Sodium, aluminum, and magnesium were also unreported. The tests also showed a significant reduction in noise levels, falling from 144.9 dB in 2006 to 93 dB in 2026. However, even this reduced level is still higher than the ambient noise limits for most zones in Mumbai. The Bombay High Court has prohibited firecrackers in silence zones, and the BMC has recently notified 110 such zones.
Awaaz Foundation has also raised concerns about the increasing air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai ahead of Diwali.
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