[OPINION] Firecrackers and lost limbs: Why endure a preventable public health crisis?

Boom. Lost fingers! 

Every year, this grim spectacle unfolds across the Philippines. Primarily boys and young men, emboldened by tradition and a sense of daring, light firecrackers in their hands, only to face devastating injuries. Fingers are blown off, hands are maimed, eyes are blinded, and lives are irreversibly altered. What begins as holiday revelry often ends in tragedy, with victims bearing lifelong disabilities. 

Despite warnings and media campaigns, firecracker-related injuries persist. Worse, the firecracker industry remains as profitable as ever. Year after year, children and adults are added to the list of victims. 

The Philippines, uniquely, continues to endure this preventable public health crisis, rooted in a combination of cultural practices, lax regulations, and harmful social norms. The Filipino tradition of using firecrackers to welcome the New Year originates from Chinese cultural influences. Many Filipinos believe that the noise scares away evil spirits and bad luck, ensuring prosperity in the coming year. 

While other countries with similar traditions have transitioned to safer practices, such as fireworks displays organized by local governments, the Filipinos retain a deeply ingrained do-it-yourself approach. This practice is not merely a matter of tradition but a complex interplay of culture, economics, and individual behavior. 

The firecracker industry in the Philippines operates with minimal accountability. Manufacturers prioritize profit over safety, producing products with inadequate warnings and no accompanying protective gear. Many products are unregulated, and the lack of government oversight exacerbates the problem.

Studies show that poorly made firecrackers are more prone to malfunction, increasing the likelihood of injuries. According to the Department of Health (DOH), the top injury-causing fireworks include kuwitis, 5-star, pla-pla, luces, whistle bomb, boga, and fountain. These products are often marketed as fun and thrilling, but carry significant risks, especially when used improperly. 

Children are often socialized into viewing firecracker use as a rite of passage. Boys, in particular, are encouraged to engage in risky behavior, with peer pressure labeling caution as cowardice. This machismo culture glorifies recklessness, reinforcing a dangerous cycle where taking risks with firecrackers is seen as a display of masculinity. 

Additionally, the holiday season is marked by increased alcohol consumption. Drunken revelry plus stupidity often leads to poor decision-making, with individuals lighting firecrackers without considering the risks. Alcohol-induced accidents account for a significant portion of firecracker-related injuries, as impaired judgment and coordination lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Filipinos often view firecracker use as a way to outdo their neighbors, equating louder explosions with social status. This competitive behavior not only drives demand for more dangerous firecrackers but also leads to the reckless use of firearms during celebrations. Stray bullets from celebratory gunfire have caused numerous fatalities, adding another layer of tragedy to the holiday season.  

Firecracker-related injuries are more than just a medical issue — they have far-reaching social and economic implications. According to recent data from the DOH, over 600 firecracker-related injuries were reported during the 2023 holiday season, nearly doubling the previous year’s cases. These injuries often result in permanent disabilities, limiting victims’ opportunities for education and employment. The emotional and financial burden on families is immense, with medical bills and long-term care costs further exacerbating poverty. Stray bullets add another dimension to the problem.

In 2023 alone, at least five fatalities were attributed to celebratory gunfire, underscoring the deadly consequences of unregulated behavior during the holidays.

The government must enforce stricter regulations on firecracker production and sales. Manufacturers should be required to include clear warnings, protective gear, and safety instructions with their products. Borrowing from the tobacco industry, firecrackers could carry graphic labels showing the consequences of misuse. Additionally, a licensing system for manufacturers and sellers can help weed out unscrupulous operators. 

Public health campaigns emphasizing the dangers of firecrackers and the availability of safer alternatives should be launched. These campaigns should feature testimonials from survivors and highlight the economic and emotional toll of injuries. 

Schools and communities should be key venues for these educational efforts, targeting children and parents alike. Local governments should organize large-scale fireworks displays to provide safe, communal celebrations. Encouraging traditions like street parties, light shows, and musical performances can shift the focus away from firecrackers. 

Efforts must also be made to combat the machismo culture that glorifies risky behavior. Educational programs in schools should teach children about responsible decision-making and the value of safety. 

Parents should play an active role in monitoring their children’s activities during the holidays. Victims should have the legal right to sue manufacturers for injuries caused by defective products. This would create a financial incentive for companies to prioritize safety. The government should also impose heavy fines on businesses that fail to comply with safety standards.

Public health campaigns should also focus on the dangers of alcohol-fueled celebrations. Local governments could impose restrictions on alcohol sales during New Year’s Eve and increase police visibility to discourage reckless behavior.  

This issue must be addressed not only as a cultural tradition but also through the lenses of public health and criminology. Theories like routine activity theory explain how the convergence of motivated offenders (reckless individuals), suitable targets (firecrackers), and the absence of capable guardians (regulatory oversight) creates an environment ripe for harm.

From a public health perspective, firecracker-related injuries are preventable through a combination of education, regulation, and cultural change. By implementing these measures, the Philippines can transform the holiday season into a time of joy and celebration, free from the unnecessary tragedies of lost limbs and lives. – Rappler.com

Raymund E. Narag, PhD, is an associate professor in criminology and criminal justice at the School of Justice and Public Safety, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.