We watch in awe at the colorful scenery of fireworks across peaceful skies. Many enjoy the crackling, loud and sporadic sound of firecrackers traditionally believed to drive away evil spirits as a new year approaches from a few hours away.
Fireworks have been common in the Philippines during Filipino celebrations like fiestas, Santacruzan, concerts, Flores de Mayo in May, and New Year, among others.
The use of firecrackers traces to back Bocaue, Bulacan, now known as the center of the fireworks industry where class A and high-quality fireworks are said to be produced.
Back in 1867, one Valentin Sta. Ana learned this craftmanship from a parish priest in Santa Maria town who, instead of a public address system, used a ‘kwitis’ or rocket to wake up the parishioners for the ‘simbang gabi’ or Misa de Gallo.
The priest taught Valentin the basics of making firecrackers, who later mastered the trade. Valentin, before his death, was said to have taught his two children, Valerio and Fernando.
Now Bocaue town is reputed to be the country’s “fireworks capital”, expanding the manufacturing to other nearby towns like Sta. Maria.
History says fireworks were first developed in ancient Liuyang, China in the second century B.C. using bamboo stalks that when thrown in a fire, would explode with a bang. Later between 600-900 AD, a Chinese alchemist innovated and mixed potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal to produce a black, flaky powder in the bamboo.
In the Philippines, the lucrative fireworks industry has evolved through the years. In my childhood, I can only remember luces — a sparkler held on a thin wire — and labintador — a small triangular firecracker with a wick. Now there are Super Lolo, Goodbye Philippines, Whistle Bomb, Piccolo, etc. when lit up create the sound of gunfire, scaring off even the toughest pet dogs.
But, oh there’s more to fireworks than just entertainment, and profit for retailers, dealers, and manufacturers.
A Department of Health advisory cited the effects of using fireworks and firecrackers. Results of expert studies showed that suspended particulate matter or SPM, CO, NOx, hydrocarbons, and SO2, increase to unprecedented levels in the air during fireworks displays.
The SPM levels, the DoH said, can cause throat, nose, eye related problems.
“It can lead to headaches and reduced mental acuity. It has much more severe effects in people with heart, respiratory or nervous system disorders. It can aggravate the problem for people suffering from cold allergies or coughs and can also cause congestion of the throat and chest.”
The most vulnerable to exposure are pregnant women, children, and those having chronic asthma. Unwanted second noise has harmful effects, too, the advisory said.
The standard noise level set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (for the ambient environment is 60 decibels during daytime and 50 decibels during nighttime. On New Year revelries, fireworks or firecrackers can be loud and can exceed 140 decibels.
“Noise at 85 decibels above can damage hearing. An increase in the sound levels can lead to restlessness, temporary or permanent hearing loss, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbance,” the DoH advisory read.
Yes, fireworks exude a sense of triumph over the trials and challenges of the outgoing year.
It may be a Filipino tradition that attracts good fortune and ward off evil spirits but resulted in thousands of injuries every year.
Ironic as it may seem, there are still fireworks-related injuries across 81 provinces in the country despite Republic Act 7183 or An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices.
In keeping safety as a full-time job, not a part-time practice, here are some tips for a safe celebration, according to US Consumer Product Safety Commission:
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals;
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or another mishap;
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from the fireworks device quickly;
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water, and throw them away;
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks;
• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone;
• After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device;
• Only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use; and
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
A blessed and safe New Year, everyone!