The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) enjoins the public anew by observing a health-risk free and eco-friendly New Year celebration.
“Let’s do away with lighting those dangerous paputok (firecrackers) this New Year’s celebration,” said Asec. Juan Miguel T. Cuna who is also the concurrent director of DENR’s Environment Management Bureau. “These pyro techniques generate harmful fumes or smoke that’s not only hazardous to our health but to the environment as well.”
Cuna noted that it has been the Department’s tradition “to usher the New Year with a loud bang, but there are alternative noisemakers.” One example of an alternative, he said, is organizing parties or festivities in the streets that may foster camaraderie among neighbors. “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 added. (DENR)