How to Ring in The New Year With Your 10 Fingers Intact
Better safe than sorry.
(SPOT.ph) Avoid fireworks and firecrackers and practice alternative ways to celebrate the new year, the Department of Health said as it reminded Filipinos to welcome 2023 without the danger of getting injured.
While it has been the tradition for many Filipinos to welcome the new year with raucous revelry, it's still best to stay on the safer side away from firecrackers and other pyrotechnics, the DOH said.
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"The Department of Health has always advocated for the practice of a safe and joyful New Year by practicing the safe observance of the holidays by avoiding fireworks/paputok and promoting alternative means of celebrating the New Year," it added.
How fireworks, firecrackers affect our health
According to the DOH, the volume of suspended particulate matters or SPM, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons, and sulfur dioxide in the air increases to unprecedented levels during firework displays, which could be dangerous to pregnant women, children, and those with chronic asthma.
The high levels of SPM in the air could also cause throat, nose, and eye-related problems, as well as headaches and related mental acuity. It can also worsen the condition of people suffering from cold allergies or coughs as it causes congestion of throat and chest, it added.
The exploding noises from fireworks and firecrackers are also harmful to health. The standard noise level for ambient environment is 60 decibels during daytime and 50 decibels during nighttime, but the noise from fireworks can exceed 140 decibels, the DOH said.
"Noise at 85 decibels and above can damage hearing. Increase in the sound levels can lead to restlessness, temporary or permanent hearing loss, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbance," it added.
Firecrackers that explode close to any part of the body can also cause serious injury, such as burns and worse, loss of fingers, arms, and legs.
How to celebrate the New Year safely
Filipinos can ring in the new year safely by avoiding fireworks, firecrackers and other pyrotechnics and practicing alternative ways to celebrate, the DOH said. Here are some of these ways:
- Observe fireworks from afar.
- Join community fireworks displays.
- Use loud noises from other sources such loud speakers, horns, percussion, pans, and pots.
- Participate in other forms of entertainment such as street parties, concerts, community games, among others.
The DOH will be on high alert for all individuals who will suffer injuries and emergencies as a result of firecracker explosion. It also called on local government units and the private sector to support its campaign to reduce the number of firecracker-related injuries and casualties.