Ditch toxic fireworks and firecrackers, prioritize health — EcoWaste

Pro-environment group EcoWaste Coalition holds a motorcade on December 27 to urge the public to refrain from using fireworks for New Year’s celebrations.

MANILA, Philippines — The pro-environment EcoWaste Coalition on Wednesday urged Filipinos to shun the use of toxic firecrackers and fireworks to ensure a safe and environmentally sound New Year celebration.

The group, along with other pro – environment advocates held a motorcade in Quezon City and enjoined the public to welcome 2024 safe and toxic-free.

“The health and well-being of the people, especially the children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions, should be a top priority over a hazardous tradition that has become associated with bloody injuries, accidental fires, and chemical and waste pollutants,” EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero said in a statement.

The group explained that firecrackers emit unseen health hazards in the form of toxic vapors.

Firecrackers emit toxic fumes which may lead to respiratory tract infections and even death to vulnerable sectors like the elderly, children, and pregnant women, said Partnership for Clean Air, one of the groups that joined the motorcade.

“Aside from respiratory health problems, firecrackers and fireworks have been blamed for anatomic injuries involving the eyes, legs and, most especially, hands, which may require amputations,” EcoWaste Coalition’s statement added.

The Department of Health reported that so far, it has recorded 75 fireworks-related injuries days ahead of New Year’s Eve.

Of these cases, 16 are caused by “boga”, 14 are by 5-Star, and nine by “kwitis”.

The group urged the public to welcome the New Year by just playing music or using substitute noise-makers such as pots and pans. 

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government appealed to local government units to totally ban firecrackers.