22 October 2021

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By

Healthy Pilipinas

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141

What are the health effects of using fireworks/firecrackers?

Results of studies have shown that the levels of suspended particulate matters (SPM), CO, NOx, hydrocarbons, SO2, increase to an unprecedented levels in air during fireworks displays. Pregnant women, children and those having a chronic asthma are most vulnerable to these exposures.

The SPM levels can cause throat, nose, eye related problems. It can lead to headaches and reduced mental acuity. It has much more severe effects in people with heart, respiratory or nervous system disorders. It can aggravate problem for people suffering from cold allergies or coughs and can also cause congestion of throat and chest.

Unwanted second noise has harmful effects as well. Standard noise level set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the ambient environment is 60 dB during daytime and 50 decibels during night time. Fireworks can be loud and can exceed 140 decibels. Noise at 85 decibels above can damage hearing. Increase in the sound levels can lead to restlessness, temporary or permanent hearing loss, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbance.

Fireworks can also cause respiratory problems such as: chronic or allergic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, sinusitis, rhinitis, pneumonia and laryngitis.

What are the direct health effects of misuse of fireworks/firecrackers?

• Blast or burns with amputation
• Blast or burns without amputation
• Eye injury that might lead to blindness
• Tetanus
• Poisoning (Ingestion)
• Death

Is there a law that regulates the manufacturing and distribution of fireworks and firecrackers?

Yes, Republic Act No. 7183

What are the five reminders on how to be safe from fireworks injuries?

1.      Mapanganib ang paggamit ng paputok.

2.      Lahat ng paputok ay bawal sa bata.

3.      Lumayo sa mga taong nagpapaputok.

4.      Huwag mamulot ng di sumabog na paputok.

5.      Magpagamot agad kapag naputukan.

What are the firecrackers allowed under the law?

Baby Rocket, Bawang, Small Triangulo, Pulling of strings, Paper Caps, El Diablo, Watusi, Judah's Belt, Sky Rocket, etc.

What are Five Alternative ways in celebrating the New Year's Eve?

1. Itaguyod at makilahok sa Community Fireworks Display.

2. Magdiwang ng ligtas kasama ang pamilya.

3. Lumikha ng ingay gamit ang ibang bagay tulad ng torotot, busina, musika, lata, atbp.

4. Maki saya sa ibang paraan tulad ng street party, concert, piano, palaro, atbp.

5. Matuto sa mga aral ng nakaraan at magsimula nang maayos na buhay sa Bagong Taon.

What are the harmful effects of chemicals and substances contained in firecrackers and fireworks?

·  Cadmium may produce irritation of the lungs and influenza like symptoms. If cadmium is inhaled, ingested or enters the body, it can accumulate and eventually damage the liver and kidneys. Accumulation of cadmium in the bones may cause a disease called "Itai-Itai" that can make bones brittle leading to fractures. It is also a potential human carcinogen.

·  Lead may affect the hematological profile of a person including the central nervous system and inhibits brain function. Exposure may also lead to developmental delays, growth retardation, behavioral effects and learning delays.

·  Chromium may cause skin damage and hypersensitivity, nasal mucosa ulceration and nasal septum perforation. Long term exposures may lead to lung cancer.

·  Aluminum has been noted to cause impaired memory, dementia and convulsions.

·  Magnesium dust and fumes when inhaled may irritate mucous membranes or upper respiratory tract and cause mental fume fever and deterioration of the central nervous system.

·  Nitrates, Nitrite, Phosphates and Sulfates may cause dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness and convulsion. Small repeated doses may lead to weakness, general depression, headache and mental impairment. Phosphates may produce an acute effect on the liver and can cause severe eye damage and may eventually affect the central nervous system. Sulfates are skin and mucous membrane irritant and corrosive; it may cause edema of the lungs and can produce respiratory paralysis.

·  Carbon Monoxide (colorless, odorless gass) may cause euphoria, headache, eye irritation, narcosis, coma, may be rapidly fatal after formulation leads to anoxia of brain, nervous system and heart.

·  Copper dust fumes when inhaled may cause irritation in the respiratory tract.

·  Manganese dioxide fumes cause lung irritation, pneumonia, with possible Parkinsonian symptoms, rigidity, muscular pains and tremor.

·  Potassium irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. It may cause severe irritation of upper respiratory tract with cough, burns and breathing difficulty.

·  Sodium may cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and respiratory tract.

·  Zinc oxide fumes on lungs may cause mental fume fever symptoms like influenza, chills, fever, sweating and muscular weakness.

·  Oxides of nitrogen and sulfur may reduce pulmonary function and mucosal irritation. Powerful irritants may cause respiratory damage.

What does APIR stand for?

APIR stands for “Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction” campaign.

In case of injuries or ingestion of firecracker/fireworks, what are the referral centers for treatment and management?

DOH Poison Control Centers

Trauma Centers

NCR Referral Centers

DOH Regional Referral Centers

What are the pyrotechnic devices allowed under this law?

Sparklers, Luces, Fountain, Jumbo (regular and special), Mabuhay, Roman Candle, Trompillo, Airwolf, Whistle, Butterfly, all pailaw.