Using ‘torotot’ may inflict injuries to kids, environmental group warns

MANILA, Philippines — Even the use of a “torotot” (party horn) may also cause potential injuries among children, an environmental group warned on Tuesday.

Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner of EcoWaste Coalition, reminded that parents should choose a proper torotot and supervise their children in using the said alternative for firecrackers in the upcoming New Year’s celebration.

“The importance of parental responsibility cannot be overemphasized as the torotots being sold in the market contain zero instruction on proper use and their quality and safety cannot be guaranteed,” Dizon said in a statement.

“While a torotot will not blow off a child’s fingers or give off toxic fumes, it may cause injuries requiring medical care as well as add to the revelry garbage,” he added.

According to Dizon, among possible dangers of tororot are choking due to small parts attached to it, cuts in lacerations due to sharp edges, and noise-induced hearing loss due to loud sounds.

In 2010, two choking incidents were recorded from kids ages 3 and 8. This prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue Health Advisory 2011-017 entitled “Warning on the Possible Choking Hazard Associated with the use of Torotot.”  

Dizon also said that “some torotot may produce very loud sounds that can be harmful or distressing to humans as well as animals.”

He then noted that “sound exceeding 85 decibels can damage hearing.”

Despite the warning, the group continued to encourage the public to use torotots as an alternative to firecrackers in welcoming the New Year.

“No matter what your preferred noisemaker is, parental supervision is highly recommended to prevent any untoward event that may harm a child,” the group said.

The EcoWaste Coalition is a partner of the Department of Health in its Iwas Paputok campaign. /je