Smoke from fireworks poses health risks - expert

While many people enjoy the bright lights that fireworks make, a medical expert warned that the chemicals they contain are unhealthy, especially for people who already have weak lungs and hearts.

"Yung mga reagents na nandiyan, yung mga potassium nitrate, carbon at saka sulfur, carbon monoxide. Yung ibang oxygen pa sa kanilang katawan, mapapalitan nung mga gas na ito. So, mas lalong mahihirapan ang baga, ang puso," said Dr. Ma. Encarnita Limpin, a pulmonary critical care specialist in Tina Panganiban-Perez's report on "24 Oras Weekend" on Saturday.

Limpin said the fine particles coming from fireworks stay in the air for several hours. 

"Ito yung magko-cause ng mga sintomas katulad ng pag-ubo o kaya sisipunin, babahingin at medyo maglalabas din ng plema. Sa isang taong may hika, pwedeng biglang atakihin," she added.

Meanwhile, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI) said it was ready for the increase in cases of asthma and other lung diseases that usually rise following the New Year celebrations.

The Department of Health urged the public to use face masks or stay indoors to avoid inhaling the smoke caused by fireworks. —Sherylin Untalan/VBL, GMA Integrated News