The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) enjoins the public anew to observe the New Year revelry health-risk free and eco-friendly.
DENR Assistant Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna: “Let’s do away with lighting those firecrackers and dangerous “paputok” this New Year’s celebration. These pyro techniques generate harmful fumes or smoke that’s not only hazardous to our health but to the environment as well.”
Cuna is the concurrent director of the DENR Environment Management Bureau (EMB). “It has been our tradition to usher the New Year with a loud bang, but there are alternative noisemakers such as holding of street parties or festivities in the streets. This way may even foster camaraderie among neighbors,” he said. “Playing loud music, blowing of horns, and clanging pots are less-costly as compared to buying expensive and dangerous firecrackers.”
Smoke from fireworks consists mainly of fine toxic dusts (particulate matter) such as ozone, sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide that can easily enter the lungs which becomes a real threat for people with asthma.
“We support the other government agencies in welcoming a harm-free and a less-polluted air campaign this 2016 and we encourage everyone to use alternative and safe methods in our noise and merry-making,” Cuna said.
