In a comprehensive public health advisory issued Sunday, the Provincial Health Office of Oriental Mindoro launched an urgent campaign against firecracker use during New Year celebrations, revealing disturbing details about injuries that have prompted authorities to advocate for safer alternatives.

The advisory, featuring a confronting image of a severely injured hand, outlines six major health risks that have been consistently documented from firecracker-related incidents.

These include fatalities from mishandled explosives, permanent loss of fingers and limbs, and devastating organ damage caused by toxic chemical exposure.

“The chemicals released by firecrackers, including lead, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, can cause irreversible damage to the lungs and other vital organs,” explained the health advisory.

Officials particularly pointed out the dangers of toxic fume inhalation, which can have long-term health implications even from brief exposure.

The advisory detailed a cascade of potential injuries, from severe burns and blindness caused by explosive powder to permanent hearing loss from close-range detonations.

Medical experts noted that eye injuries often result from both direct trauma and chemical irritation, while hearing damage can occur instantly from the intense sound pressure generated by explosions.

In response to these risks, the health office is promoting their “Iwas Paputok” (Avoid Firecrackers) campaign, advocating for safer celebratory alternatives such as horns, drums, or sparklers under proper supervision.

The advisory concludes with emergency protocols, instructing immediate hospitalization for any firecracker-related injuries, no matter how minor they may appear.

Medical authorities stress that quick response times are crucial in preventing complications from burns, chemical exposure, and traumatic injuries.

The Provincial Health Office has established dedicated emergency contact lines at (043) 288-7672 and [email protected] for round-the-clock assistance during the holiday period.

DOH Data
Following the Provincial Health Office of Oriental Mindoro’s urgent public health advisory against firecracker use, the Department of Health (DOH) reveals concerning fireworks-related injury statistics as the country approaches the New Year celebrations.

According to DOH data, the 2023-2024 holiday season recorded 231 fireworks-related injuries between December 21, 2023, and January 6, 2024 – a 6% increase from the previous year’s 218 cases.

The majority of incidents occurred in Metro Manila, followed by regions III and VI.

“The statistics tell a sobering story,” said DOH, noting that 65% of injuries affected individuals’ hands, while 16% involved eye injuries.

Males comprised approximately 80% of the victims, with children aged 10-14 being particularly vulnerable.

The notorious “5-star” firecracker remains the leading cause of injuries, followed by the “Boga” (PVC cannon) and “Piccolo,” which was banned in 2010 but continues to surface illegally in local markets.

Records have shown that 50% of all reported cases involved illegal fireworks.

Health officials noted that these numbers likely underrepresent the true scale of the problem, as many minor injuries go unreported.

The DOH estimates that for every documented case, two to three cases may go unrecorded, particularly in rural areas.