THE Department of Health (DOH) is pushing for alternative ways in celebrating Christmas and New Year by avoiding the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials.
The DOH, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Eco Waste Coalition are launching the 2015 campaign against firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials which carries the theme, “Sa Ingay Walang Sablay, sa Paputok Goodbye Kamay”.
In the past, DOH conveyed its messages through both scare tactics and positive approaches.
“For this year, instead of firecrackers, the public is encouraged to use safe merry-making instruments and alternative noise-makers such as ‘torotot’, car horns, or by playing loud music. Also, the local government units (LGUs) are urged to foster community firework display,” Health secretary Janette Loreto-Garin said.
In 2014, the DOH final report on the Fireworks-Related Injury Surveillance recorded zero death and 860 cases nationwide which is 16% lower compared to 2013 (1,018 injuries).
Of the 860 reported injuries, 840 were due to fireworks, 13 from stray bullet, while 7 were cases of firecracker ingestion.
Most injuries were caused by piccolo (32%), followed by kwitis (15%), unknown firecrackers (11%), luces (7%) and fountain (5%).
Most fireworks-related injuries came from the National Capital Region (57%), followed by Ilocos Region (8%), Western Visayas (7%), and Calabarzon (6%).
In NCR, most cases were from Manila (37%), Quezon City (26%) and Las Pinas City (6%). No cases were reported from the cities of San Juan and Muntinlupa.
The health chief emphasizes the earnest cooperation of the LGUs and the public to achieve zero casualty as we welcome 2016.
The DOH reminds all Filipinos, both young and old, to have fun yet be vigilant at the same time.
In case of an injury due to firecrackers, Garin reminded that the wounds must be immediately washed with clean running water until all visible dirt and gunpowder residue is removed. The patient must immediately be rushed to the nearest health facility for proper medical attention. The DOH ensures that all DOH Hospitals are prepared to attend to injuries related to fireworks.
Meanwhile, DOH also advised the public to shop wisely for toys to give as gifts this holiday season.
A safe toy is defined by the DOH as one that is suitable to the child’s physical capabilities, mental and social development, durable, and safe for the child’s age.
For newborns to one year old, DOH suggests toys such as rattles, large and brightly colored balls, washable stuffed dolls or animals with big and clearly defined faces. Toddlers or children ages two to three years old are recommended with toys such as wooden animals, dolls, sturdy kiddie cars, modeling clay, and rocking horses.
DOH advised that the following toys are not recommended under three years old: balls with a diameter of 1.75 inches or less so as to prevent choking, toys that easily break into small parts or pieces (glass or brittle plastics), toys containing small detachable parts or pieces which could become swallowed and lodged in the throat, and toys with sharp points and edges.
In addition, the health chief warned on toys that may contain harmful chemicals such as lead.
In order to ensure that toys do not contain hazardous materials, toy manufacturers, importers, and distributors are required to secure Certificate of Conformity from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the toys they sell or offer.
These establishments take due diligence in ensuring that toys are toxic-free. Consumers are strongly advised to buy their toy gifts from legitimate toy establishments.