Epidemiology and follow up the impact of the fireworks legislation in Colombia, South America

Main Article Content

Albert Alejandro Ávila
Tatiana Eunice Castro
Javier Alfonso Aguilar
Carlos Fernando Valencia

Abstract

DOI: 10.1016/j.rcpe.2016.04.001


 


Fireworks are used around the world as part of national and cultural celebrations. These devices are capable of inflicting damage such as burns and other injuries. In Colombia, the periods in which the incidence of fireworks injuries increases dramatically are during the Christmas and New Year's Eve celebration. Fireworks injuries are related to the manufacture, stockpiling, transportation, and marketing, and especially with their handling.


Methods


An observational, descriptive study was carried out using, as a data source, the Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública (National System for Public Health Surveillance) (Sivigila) for the period January 2007 to December 2013.


Results


Between January 2007 and December 2013, Colombia reported 6,795 cases of injuries caused by the improper handling and use of gunpowder. The events showed peaks occurring on 7, 8, 24, 25, and 31 December, and January 1st. The departments with the highest rate of injuries were Norte de Santander, Cauca, Quindío, Caldas, Nariño, and Antioquia.


Conclusions


Fireworks are devices capable of causing serious injury and death when handled, prepared and stored. Children continue to be the most affected population. Restrictive measures alone are not effective, with educational campaigns proving to be the most effective measures to prevent injury.


 

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Article Details

How to Cite
Ávila, A. A., Castro, T. E., Aguilar, J. A., & Valencia, C. F. (2000). Epidemiology and follow up the impact of the fireworks legislation in Colombia, South America. Pediatría, 49(2), 41–47. Retrieved from https://revistapediatria.org/rp/article/view/21
Section
Originals

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