1st case of hearing loss among new firecracker injuries

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday recorded a total of 96 cases of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) that included the first case of loss of hearing due to fireworks.

The latest FWRI Report of the DOH said the victim is a 23-year-old woman from Central Luzon who experienced hearing loss after passive exposure to kwitis (sky rocket).

“Fireworks can lead to hearing loss. Firework explosions result in sound levels of 140-150 decibels (dB) which can lead to pain and ear injury after exposure,” the DOH warned. “For comparison, the sound of a normal conversation is around 60 dB; the sound of a motorcycle is 95 dB; sirens are at 120 dB. Loud noises above 120 dB can cause immediate harm to ears.”

“Watching community fireworks displays from a safe distance is still the best. If you cannot avoid exposure to fireworks and their loud sounds, use hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs. If you notice any pain, discomfort, ringing or buzzing in your ears, talk to your doctor,” the health department added.

The DOH said this now brings the total FWRI cases to 96, with three out of every 10 cases coming from the National Capital Region (NCR) to 33 or 34 percent.

Following NCR in the most number of cases are Central Luzon (12 or 12 percent), Ilocos region (12 or 12 percent), Soccsksargen (6 or 6 percent), Bicol and Western Visayas (5 or 5 percent each). Ninety six percent happened at home and in the streets, mostly by males with active involvement.

The top ranking identified fireworks that cause at least seven out of every 10 (72 percent) FWRIs are boga (improvised cannon), 5-star, kwitis, piccolo, pla-pla, whistle bomb and luces.

Illegal fireworks (boga, 5-Star, piccolo, pla-pla) are to blame for about six out of every 10 cases (57 or 60 percent), the DOH added.

The report noted that as of 5:59 a.m. of Dec. 29, there were eight new injuries, with victims ranging from 5 to 49 years old, mostly males (7 or 88 percent). All of these new cases occurred at home and in the streets.

Six or 75 percent were due to illegal fireworks, while another 6 or 75 percent more had active involvement.

Meanwhile, in Region 1, three of the latest 25 firecracker-related injuries were caused by boga, while the others were hit by banned pyrotechnics, according to the DOH regional office.

DOH 1 Medical Officer IV Rheuel Bobis said 20 of the injuries were from Pangasinan, four and one in La Union and Ilocos Sur, respectively.

Bobis said the boga victims suffered blast and burn injuries while the others sustained wounds on their bodies, fingers and eyes due to unlabeled imported firecrackers.

Bobis advised that in case of firecracker injuries, victims should wash the wounded part with water and soap and immediately go to the hospital.

Inspection

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. inspected yesterday fireworks stores and stalls in Bocaue, Bulacan to check for necessary permits to operate and fire protection device such as fire extinguishers, in compliance with existing requirements.

Accompanying Acorda was Chief Security Group director Maj. Gen. Benjamin Silo Jr., Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., Bulacan police provincial director Col. Relly Arnedo and Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando.

At a press conference after the inspection, Acorda emphasized that the PNP wanted to ensure that firecrackers and pyrotechnic dealers, sellers and manufacturers comply with existing laws.

He also stated that the inspection is part of the PNP’s crackdown on sellers and manufacturers of illegal firecrackers to minimize FWRI during Christmas and New Year.

In response to reports that some dealers of prohibited firecrackers are selling their products online, Acorda said the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has intensified operations.

Acorda has directed the Civil Security Group (CSG) and other police offices to intensify the crackdown against people selling firecrackers without obtaining permits from the PNP and other concerned government agencies, including those offering fireworks on online platforms.

Meanwhile, Hidalgo reminded the public not to patronize illegal firecrackers as these could endanger lives.

He also directed all police chiefs, not only in Bulacan but the entire Central Luzon, to strictly implement the provisions of Republic Act 7183, ensure the filing of cases against violators to attain conviction and closely monitor previously filed cases.

Confiscated

The PNP has confirmed having recently confiscated thousands of boxes of smuggled finished pyrotechnics in Bulacan.

At a press conference yesterday, PNP Firearms Explosive Office-CSG chief Brig. Gen. Lyndon Mencio said operatives confiscated in Bulacan more than 5,000 boxes of imported finished pyrotechnic devices.

However, Mencio did not identify who imported the products and did not specify if an arrest was made.

He said necessary charges were filed against those involved in the illegal importation of the finished imported pyrotechnic devices and the confiscated products were properly disposed of, as witnessed by pyrotechnics stakeholders, local officials and members of the media.

Sources claimed that the smuggled pyrotechnic devices were intercepted in Baliwag City.

RA 7183 or the Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices prohibits the importation of finished pyrotechnic products into the country.

Recently, Philippine Fireworks Association president Jovenson Ong said smuggled fireworks from China have been competing with legally made fireworks. He added that they have been lodging complaints about the smuggled pyrotechnics, but operations continue.

He also cited that most fireworks accidents occur because of these inferior quality smuggled products, but these are somehow being blamed on legal fireworks.

On the other hand, Fernando, chairman of the Bulacan Pyrotechnic Regulatory Board, reiterated that his priority is the safety of the people.

The governor said that during their Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting last week, he directed all local government officials including barangay officials, particularly those in the towns of Bocaue and Santa Maria, to conduct house-to-house inspections after receiving reports that some residential houses are being used in the manufacture of illegal firecrackers.

Safety must always come first, that is why proper control and regulation of the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices must strictly be observed, Fernando noted.

According to PNP data, some 28,754 banned firecrackers worth P244,130 were confiscated by police units nationwide during the Yuletide season.

Twelve people were arrested so far for selling banned firecrackers.

Discouraged

Meanwhile, the city government of Parañaque discouraged the use of firecrackers to ensure a safe and peaceful New Year celebration.

In a memorandum dated Dec. 20, Mayor Eric Olivarez said the order is in compliance with the directives of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“As per DILG memorandum, individuals or household use of firecrackers is discouraged and, instead, the use of common household items is encouraged in celebrating the holiday as well as the conduct of community fireworks exhibition or displays for their constituents,” the memorandum read.

In allowing community fireworks displays, the local government said official permits from the PNP must be secured and the nearest Bureau of Fire Protection notified.

It also noted that only individuals over 21 years old “with adequate knowledge” are allowed to supervise fireworks displays.

The local government also advised that fireworks should be fired at least three meters away from people and must be projected upwards. First-aid fire equipment must also be readily available.

Apart from this, the city government has prohibited the use of firearms during the New Year revelry. — Jun Elias, Ric Sapnu, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Nillicent Bautista, Emmanuel Tupas