AMID the looming threat of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, isn’t it prudent to impose a ban on firecrackers as an essential measure to keep people safe from injuries and pollutants, as well as to discourage mass gatherings this holiday season?
In support of the government-led “Ligtas Christmas sa Healthy Pilipinas” campaign, local authorities may pass and/or enforce ordinances prohibiting firecrackers as the Christmas and New Year festivities near.
Banning the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of firecrackers will certainly reduce the number of firecracker-related injuries, as well as reduce the environmental pollution associated with the New Year revelry. Also, the enforcement of such a measure will be crucial in light of growing fears and uncertainties over the new Omicron COVID-19 variant.
But regardless of the COVID-19 alert level assignments, we appeal to our communities to aim for drastically reduced injuries, wastes and emissions due to the blasting of firecrackers and fireworks during the holidays. According to the Department of Health (DOH) central office’s injury registry data from sentinel hospitals, 122 firecracker-related injuries and one stray bullet injury were recorded from Dec. 21, 2020 to Jan. 6, 2021. This is 290 cases (or 70 percent) lower compared to 2019 figures and 469 cases (or 79 percent) lower than the five-year average (2015-2019) as per the DOH. Even minor injuries resulting from firecracker and firework accidents will require emergency care and treatment at a hospital to prevent tetanus infection, further straining an already overburdened healthcare system.
As for air pollution levels, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recorded a substantial drop in Particulate Matter (PM 10) in Metro Manila from an average concentration of 213 micrograms per normal cubic meter (ug/Ncm) on January 1, 2020 to 87 ug/Ncm on Jan. 1, 2021 – a 59 percent reduction – due to the firecracker ban in the metropolis. Lighting firecrackers and fireworks emits loads of toxic gases and pollutants to the environment causing poor air quality in a short period of time, which can weaken the immune system’s function and put a person at a higher risk of respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
While community fireworks display with local government unit permit is allowed under Executive Order 28, series of 2017, which regulates and controls the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, it may do well for the public and private sectors to use allocated funds for alternative activities. Instead of burning money for a few minutes of fireworks display, we urge them to use available funds for activities that will truly add holiday cheer such as food packs to families most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
