MANILA, December 29, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda, alarmed by the increase in holiday-related firecracker injuries, urged Filipinos to follow the ban on firecrackers, guns, and other forms of greeting the New Year that may cause harm to health and the environment.
“According to the Department of Health, the number of fireworks injuries rose to 72 as of December 26. These are unnecessary injuries which could be prevented if we raise awareness on how firecrackers are not the safest way of celebrating the New Year. The toxic fumes produced by firecrackers cause ailments, while a number of cases have been reported of ingestion, especially by children, of poisonous firecrackers. Chemicals used in producing firecrackers and sparklers also contaminate the soil and could leach into the water table, compromising the safety of potable water. This is certainly not the way we want to herald 2013,” she said.
She also noted that the ban on burning rubber tires and firing guns to create noise during the holidays should be strictly implemented.
“The thick blanket of smoke that engulfs our skies every New Years’ Eve can and should be avoided. We can uphold our traditions without risking the safety of our people. I urge everyone to use noisemakers and trumpets instead of firecrackers or guns, and start the New Year right with love, hope, and genuine concern for the well-being of our citizens and our environment,” Legarda stressed.
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