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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Cimatu reminds public firecrackers cause pollution, pose safety, health risks

Cimatu reminds public firecrackers cause pollution, pose safety, health risks

Published Dec 29, 2019 12:00 am
By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz  Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu on Sunday appealed to the public to refrain from using firecrackers and fireworks to welcome the New Year as these traditional ways cause pollution and pose serious safety and health risks. DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu (DENR / MANILA BULLETIN) DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu
(DENR / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) “I believe that every single one of us can contribute in fighting air pollution by simply not using firecrackers and pyrotechnics that can cause immediate and extensive air pollution,” he said. According to Cimatu, the New Year‘s Eve celebration represents one of the most unusual atmospheric pollution events in the course of the year due to massive use of firecrackers and fireworks. Instead of using pyrotechnics and firecrackers, Cimatu urged the public to switch to eco-friendly alternatives to ring in 2020. “There are some good alternatives to usher in the New Year with a bang, such as street parties, musical concerts, playing loud music, blowing horns and banging pots,” he pointed out. Cimatu’s call for a fresh tradition in welcoming the New Year was consistent with his belief that culture change is necessary to improve and protect the environment. He earlier recognized that changing people’s attitude and behavior towards the environment was the most difficult part in rehabilitating Manila Bay. Aside from causing fire accidents, pyrotechnics and firecrackers contain harmful chemicals like lead, aluminum and cadmium, and leave metal particles, dangerous toxins and smoke in the air for hours or days. Studies have shown that the levels of suspended particulate matter or fine dust and other pollutants increase to an unprecedented levels in air during fireworks displays.
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