DOH warns of firecracker dangers as New Year approaches

The Department of Health (DOH) warned the public about the dangers of using firecrackers as New Year celebrations draw near.

In an advisory released Friday, the DOH highlighted the alarming number of youths still engaging in the use of firecrackers, often resulting in injuries.

The department outlined the potential consequences of firecracker use, which include:

• Death
• Amputation of fingers, hands, or other limbs
• Blindness or severe eye irritation
• Hearing loss caused by loud explosions
• Permanent damage to the lungs or other organs
• Poisoning from firecracker ingestion
• Burns or skin lesions

The DOH urged the public to remain disciplined and vigilant to prevent firecracker-related injuries.

“Bantayan ang mga bata at pagbawalan silang gumamit ng paputok lalo na ang Boga, 5-Star, at Piccolo na pangunahing sanhi ng aksidente mula sa paputok,” the DOH advised.

(Monitor children closely and prohibit them from using firecrackers, especially boga, 5-Star, and Piccolo, which are the leading causes of firecracker-related accidents.)

As of December 27, there have been 101 firecracker-related injuries nationwide, according to DOH data.

"Halos walo sa bawat sampu na mga fireworks injuries ay dahil sa mga illegal na paputok, partikular na ang boga, 5-Star at saka piccolo," said DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Albert Domingo.

(Almost eight out of ten firecracker injuries are caused by illegal fireworks, particularly boga, 5-Star, and Piccolo.)

Domingo also cautioned against the use of legal fireworks such as kwitis, explaining, "Kwitis kahit legal siya, yan po ay lumipipad. Kung hindi tayo marunong gumamit or marunong tayo at tama yung gamit yung pagtutok ay problema pa rin na kapag pumalya baka mapunta sa kapitbahay."

(Although kwitis is legal, it flies into the air. Whether you know how to use it or not, a mishap can still occur, potentially causing it to land on a neighbor's property.) — DVM, GMA Integrated News