DOH warns against use of firecrackers during Christmas

This early, the Department of Health is advising the public to refrain from using firecrackers in celebrating the Christmas season and is instead promoting the use of sound producing non pyrotechnic devices like the torotot and pans or “kalan” as these do not cause injuries.

Aside from pushing for torotot and non-pyrotechnic devices, DOH will push for the total ban of all firecrackers, fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices, including those that are legal or currently allowed under R.A. 7183, or the Anti-fireworks Law, by 2010.

R.A. 7183 regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

These moves of the health department were announced during the launching of its anti-firecrackers use campaign, dubbed as “Four-mula Kontra Paputok” in preparation for the Christmas season.

DOH Regional Director Susana Madarietta said that even the small-sized piccolo, a type of firecracker, should not be belittled because it has a short ignition time and causes instant injury while “watusi” which is usually packed in candy-like wrappers, is poisonous when swallowed.

Madarietta said that instead of using this, torotot and kalan would be the best option to avoid accidents.

In Central Visayas, DOH recorded at least 94 firecracker related injuries last year, which is lower than the reported 179 firecracker injuries in 2005.

Madarietta, however, said that the decrease still will not satisfy their want to eliminate the number of firecracker injuries in the region.

The DOH Four-mula Kontra Paputok tips, include refrain from using firecrackers whether legal, illegal or unclassified; use “torotot”, drums and tin cans to create noise instead; do not pick unexploded firecrackers; if wounded, wash the wound with soap and clean water and seek immediate hospital treatment; and do not fire guns.

Firecrackers considered illegal under the law include the big triangle, super “lolo” and equivalents, mother rockets, five star, “Og”, “plapla”, pillbox, and other firecrackers/pyrotechnic devices that could endanger life and limb.

Those considered legal are “bawang”, baby rocket, small triangle, Judas belt, pulled firecracker, sparklers, “luces,” jumbo, regular and special fountain, roman candle, whistle bomb, “watusi,” and all kinds of pyrotechnic devices, “pailaw” and other equivalents to the above mentioned. — Jasmin R. Uy/QSB