TOXIC watchdog group BAN Toxics called on the public to shun the use of firecrackers to protect and prevent toxic injuries among children.
In launching its “Iwas Paputok, Iwas Disgrasya, Iwas Polusyon” campaign, Toxics campaign advocate Thony Dizon said that firecrackers being sold in the market are hazardous to both people and the environment.
In the recent market monitoring conducted, the group purchased and photo-documented various firecrackers, which include crackling balls, crackers, pop pop, happy ball, dynamite, prohibited five stars, whistle bomb, and piccolo – are allegedly being sold openly in the National Capital Region and and adjoining provinces of Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna.
“Firecrackers contain chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment,” Dizon said.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), the chemicals and substances present in firecrackers and fireworks include cadmium, lead, chromium, aluminum, magnesium, carbon monoxide, copper, manganese dioxide, nitrite, nitrogen and zinc.
These chemicals, he added, may cause irritation of the lungs, influenza-like symptoms, nervous system breakdown, developmental delays, growth retardation, behavioral effects, skin hypersensitivity, nasal mucosa ulceration, nasal septum perforation, impaired memory, dementia, convulsions, mental fume, dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, severe eye damage, euphoria, headache, eye irritation, narcosis, pneumonia
Under existing laws, the government prohibits manufacture, distribution, transport sale and use of piccolo, super lolo, atomic triangle, large judas belt, large bawang, pillbox, bosa, goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, goodbye bading, goodbye covid, kwiton bomb, kwiton parachute, mother rocket, lolo thunder, coke in can, atomic bomb, five star, pla-pla, giant whistle bomb, kabasi, and watusi.
“We call the attention of the Philippine National Police to initiate on-site inspection and eventual confiscation of prohibited firecrackers in public markets to stop the sale and use to prevent firecracker-related injury, especially among children,” he added.
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