What are the health risks of firecrackers beyond burns?

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Health Secretary Ted Herbosa reminds the public that the New Year can be welcomed safely while keeping the tradition of making noise

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos traditionally set off firecrackers, believing the noise drives away bad luck and spirits as they welcome the New Year. Although 2026 has yet to begin, more than a hundred people have already been injured due to firecracker-related incidents.

Based on the Department of Health’s (DOH) monitoring of 62 sentinel hospitals, 140 people were injured due to firecracker-related incidents from December 21 to December 30 at 4 a.m. Of these, 68% were below 20 years old.

Among the regions, Metro Manila recorded the highest number of cases, with 60 victims.

The DOH said 5-star was the leading firecracker that caused injuries, followed by boga, firecrackers unknown to the victims, kwitis, unlabeled or imported firecrackers, pla-pla, and whistle bomb.

Of the firecrackers mentioned, only kwitis and whistle bomb are legal. However, the DOH still advised the public to steer clear of all kinds of firecrackers.

“Very important…to remind the parents to watch their children during this New Year celebration,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a press briefing.

“Hindi po natin pinapansin kung ligal or iligal. Sa pananaw po ng DOH, ang lahat ng paputok ay hindi dapat hinahawakan ng bata,” DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said.

(It does not matter if it is legal or illegal. From the DOH’s perspective, firecrackers should not be handled by children.)

The firecracker-related injuries recorded so far in 2025 is 23% lower than the 182 cases logged in 2024.

Effects to health

The DOH warned the public of how firecrackers can affect one’s health.

Aside from wounds and burns, firecracker injuries may result in amputation or removal of body parts.

Amputation may be accidental or intentional. Accidental amputation means fingers, hands, or other body parts were torn off due to the close distance of the firecrackers. Intentional amputation, meanwhile, is performed by doctors to avoid infection or to save a person’s life in cases of irreparable damaged tissues.

Firecrackers may also lead to blindness due to wounds or severe eye irritation, loss of hearing due to loud explosion, and bronchial asthma triggered by smoke.

Substances in firecrackers such as lead, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, may permanently damage a person’s lungs and other organs when inhaled. These are poisonous when swallowed — lethal in severe cases.

Safe New Year celebration

Herbosa reminded the public that the New Year can be welcomed safely while keeping the tradition of making noise.

“[The] community fireworks display — that is safer kasi malayo (because you look at it from afar). Papanoorin ‘nyo lang (You just watch it) and everybody’s happy,” the health chief said.

“There are other safer forms of making noise: kalembang (bells), torotot (toy trumpets), ‘yong (the) electronic na fireworks,” he added. – Rappler.com