MORE people are apparently using firecrackers this year than last year in the countdown to the New Year.
This was gleaned from the Department of Health’s report showing a total of 163 firecracker-related injuries this month, 21 of them recorded during the week ending on Dec. 30.
The cases logged up to Dec, 30 was 44 percent higher compared to the 113 total cases recorded in 2023.
According to the DOH data gathered from the 62 sentinel sites, 118 of the cases or 72 percent were due to illegal firecrackers in which 65 percent or 106 cases were attributed to active use of firecrackers. The health department cited Boga, 5-star, and Piccolo as examples of illegal firecrackers used.
Meanwhile, 135 out of 163 cases involved 19 years old and below, 28 covered 20 years old and above, with 148 cases involved males 15 were on females.
The DOH reiterated its warning to public to avoid using firecrackers, and report to the authorities persons who sell or use illegal fireworks.
The DOH promotes alternative noisemakers like party horns, cooking pans, or karaoke sessions with friends and relatives. Fireworks display held by local government units can also be enjoyed during the holiday season.
