As of Christmas day 2015, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported that the use of Piccolo firecrackers is still the leading cause of injuries.
72% of all 81 firecracker-related injuries, DOH spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy told GMA News.
Most of these injuries involve “active igniters” or those who light firecrackers with their bare hands.
The DOH further revealed that the 81 reported cases of firecracker injuries have been recorded is 46% lower than the number of cases reported during the same time last year.
Piccolo isn’t powerful but dangerous
Though this type of firecracker is not really considered an explosive, it could cause serious damage such as the amputation of fingers.
photo: manila bulletin
Lee Suy said as to why this is so, “Baka ang depinisyon kasi nila ng lakas ay kailangan maputulan ng kamay. Alam naman natin na kahit daliri lang ang maputol, nagkakaroon ng stigma at naapektohan pa rin ang kanilang kinabukasan.”
He stressed the importance of parental supervision in order to preventmore injuries. Most of the victims are, sadly, young kids who can easily buy these firecrackers from sari-sari stores and the like.
Piccolo comes in attractive packaging, most often with cartoon designs, which makes them all the more prone to be purchased by young kids.
Iwas Paputok Campaign
Launched on the first week of December, The DOH’s “Iwas Paputok” campaign aims to urge all local government units (LGUs) and the police to strictly impose a ban against the use of piccolo firecrackers.
According to a report by philstar.com, Health Secretary Janette Garin there is sure to be a dramatic reduction in fireworks-related injuries if piccolo is banned once and for all.
Garin said, “A majority of victims of fireworks are children aged six to 15 years and they are victims of piccolo. So we are calling on the LGUs and the police to implement the ban on piccolo. We also appeal to the vendors to stop selling these dangerous firecrackers.”
According to DOH’s records, out of the 840 fireworks-related injuries in 2014, 32% were caused by piccolo.
One case is that of a 10-year-old boy from Dingras, Ilocos Norte who nearly lost three of his fingers on his right hand due to Piccolo injuries.
Garin further urged leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives to hasten the passage of needed laws banning harmful firecrackers so that injuries will be significantly lessened this coming new year.
These injuries due to firecracker explosions have serious consquences which can alter the lives of its victims, especially young children.
Garin added, “Every time a firecracker is ignited, a person’s life is at risk, hence, let us all do our part.”
READ: DOH reports 25 firework injuries even before New Year’s Eve
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