Friday, December 19, 2008 DOH: Use alternative ‘noise producers’
SAN FERNANDO CITY -- The Department of Health’s (DOH) regional office is calling on the general public to refrain from using firecrackers to avert or minimize accidents.
DOH Regional Director Rio Magpantay has told Sun.Star Pampanga that the DOH is now campaigning against the use of firecrackers in celebrating Christmas and New Year.
Magpantay said the DOH here is now conducting information drives and even acquired a television time to remind the local population on the dangers of using firecrackers. He stressed that money spent in firecrackers could be used for other household expenses.
“Not using firecrackers keeps us away from accidents,” Magpantay said.
Aside from being a fire hazard, firecrackers are also a health hazard, especially to children.
DOH records here said 50 people were wounded by firecrackers last year. However, not all cases of firecracker accidents have been fully reported in most cases.
Firecrackers can also cause poisoning if swallowed. One example is the “watusi” which has already been banned due to cases of poisoning among children.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, at Monday’s launching of the DOH’s New Year’s Day safety program, said they will submit a position paper to Congress asking for the eradication of the firecracker manufacturing sector.
“We'll submit a position paper to Congress so that these firecrackers are banned once and for all,” he said.
Magpantay advised revelers to use metal kitchen utensils, iron sheets and gongs instead. Aside from being economically sound, these alternative “noise producers” are safe and do not cause fire-related accidents.
He said horns and whistles are other creative ways to usher in the New Year and nothing can beat the fact of celebrating the holidays with one’s families -- with complete fingers.
DOH records showed a total of 869 injuries recorded from December 21, 2007 to December 5, 2008, with 853 being fireworks-related.
On the other hand, the DOH chief urged parents and guardians to intensify their efforts to guard their children against the use of fireworks and firecrackers. (IOF)
