Extremely dangerous air

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-desktop-hide=” av-medium-hide=” av-small-hide=” av-mini-hide=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=”]

[/av_textblock]

[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]

[av_heading heading=’ABOVE THE LAW ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY AYIN DREAM D. APLASCA
[/av_heading]

[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
AFTER a roller-coaster ride with 2017, having a good time on New Year’s Eve puts a lot of pressure on people – spending it with friends and families over good food and drinks. Of course, the fun doesn’t stop there; it will never be complete without firecrackers.

It may sound fun thinking that people will greet New Year with a bang. Of course, with a loud noise and any visual effect, it makes welcoming the New Year a blast. But how far can you go with firecrackers?

These past few days, I have received and heard news about accidents brought by firecrackers. And these were no good news. Sometimes people are too ignorant and hard-headed in not following ordinances and laws. However, others really don’t know about the ban or any warnings.

I will take this medium of communication to enlighten the people about firecrackers. Republic Act (RA) No. 7183 is made to ensure public health and safety especially when it comes to the manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

The law identifies the types of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices allowed. Allowed firecrackers include baby rocket, bawang, small trianggulo, pulling of strings, paper caps, El Diablo, Judas’ belt, sky rocket or kwitis, and other types with equivalent explosive content.

Any firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices that contain explosive content that “could endanger life and limb” like atomic big triangle and super lolo are prohibited. Added to these are other types of firecracker with more than 0.2 grams or more 1/3 teaspoon of explosives.

The law also provides the sites where firecrackers are manufactured, displayed or exhibited. Under RA 7183, manufacturing zones must be 300 meters away from the nearest residential areas; display centers must be separated from each other with firewall and fire-prevention equipment such as fire extinguishers; and smoking, testing of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, and anything that could trigger fire should be kept away from these zones.

Additionally, under Executive Order (EO) No. 28, the use of firecrackers shall henceforth be confined to community fireworks display to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties. This means that qualified community fireworks display can be done on the occasion or as part of a celebration, competition, or similar event held in a venue other than a place of residence and under the supervision of a trained person duly licensed by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

As part of the regulation procedures, the display would also be allowed if the municipality or city issues a permit with specific date and time plus the area in which the display will be conducted, in conformity with national standards, rules and regulations.

While it is being fun with firecrackers, the bad effects it possess is not worth the try, sometimes. It is extremely dangerous that you could no longer safely go outside without wearing a face mask. Imagine, firecrackers are made of nitrate, magnesium and lead which can cause asthma and hypertension.

Some of my friends already booked hotel rooms just to avoid the much polluted air during New Year’s Eve. Others would just spend their money for charitable causes.

I know you always wanted to have a good time. But before you go any further, please be cautious. Read the preceding paragraphs.

***

(Atty. Ayin Dream D. Aplasca practices her profession in Iloilo City. She may be reached thru ayindream.aplasca@gmail.com/PN)
[/av_textblock]

[/av_one_full]