FOLLOWING an incident in Bacolod City recently, the toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition has proposed that smoke-producing devices, also called colored smokes or smoke bombs, should be tested and regulated to ensure public health and safety.
As reported by the Philippine Red Cross – Bacolod City Chapter, the smoke inhalation incident at Bacolod City College affected 22 individuals, mostly college students, some of whom experienced hyperventilation and dizziness stemming from the chemical exposure. The colored smoke was used during a Physical Education class performance. One group of students purchased it online as props.
Presently sold and used with minimal restrictions, colored smokes are employed for fashion shows, gender reveal parties, photo shoots, sports events, wedding ceremonies and other fun endeavors. Activities using colored smokes are ideally held in an outdoor location, but some might be held in an enclosed space.
Colored smoke may be a source of harm if it contains chemicals of concern and if it is improperly used. Regulating it will help in avoiding smoke inhalation and chemical exposure incidents, which can be dangerous, especially for children and youth, the elderly and people with asthma and chemical sensitivities.
While paputok (firecrackers) and pailaw (pyrotechnic devices) are regulated and controlled under Republic Act No. 7183 and Executive Order No. 28, series of 2017, it is not clear if pausok (smoke-producing devices) are covered by the law. As we are clueless about the toxicity of colored smokes, concerned agencies or academic institutions should conduct the necessary product tests and to make the results public.
Also, it is essential that chemicals used to produce colored smoke are non-toxic and are clearly identified on the label. The public have the right to know the chemical composition of a product, as well as the hazards they pose to health and the environment, including their by-products, if any.
