Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 29) — The country’s tally of fireworks-related injuries climbed to 96 Friday morning, with eight new victims, including the first case of hearing loss this year.
The Department of Health (DOH) said the new victims are aged 5 to 48, and are mostly males.
All eight injuries occurred either at home or in the streets, of which six (75%) involved illegal fireworks. In six incidents, the victim actively handled the firecrackers or fireworks, the DOH added.
Among the new cases is a 23-year-old female from Central Luzon who experienced hearing loss after passive exposure to kwitis, or skyrocket.
“Firework explosions result in sound levels of 140-150 decibels (dB), which can lead to pain and ear injury after exposure,” the DOH warned.
“For comparison, the sound of a normal conversation is around 60 dB; the sound of a motorcycle is 95 dB; sirens are at 120 dB. Loud noises above 120 dB can cause immediate harm to ears,” it explained.
Official data showed that of the total 96 cases, Metro Manila saw the highest number of injuries at 33. Central Luzon and Ilocos Region came next with 12 each, followed by Soccsksargen with 6, and the Bicol Region and Western Visayas with 5 each.
The DOH said the fireworks that caused the most harm are boga*, 5-Star*, kwitis, piccolo*, pla-pla*, whistle bomb, and luces. Six out of every ten cases involved illegal fireworks (marked with an asterisk), it added.
