DOH warns: Exposure to volcanic ash may cause health problems | Inquirer News

DOH warns: Exposure to volcanic ash may cause health problems

/ 07:09 PM January 12, 2020

Taal Volcano

Loud booming sounds were heard by nearby residents when Taal Volcano erupted Sunday. These images were taken about 3 p.m. or 2 hours after the eruption from Tagaytay City, Cavite. Photo from Tagaytay City Cavite Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday warned the public of possible health risks of exposure to volcanic ash after Taal Volcano spouted a giant ash column.

In an advisory, the DOH explained that “volcanic ash consists of powder-size to sand-size particles that have been blown into the air by an erupting volcano.”

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“Anyone who already suffers from health problems such as bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma should avoid exposure to volcanic ash,” the DOH said.

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The DOH listed the following as some of the health effects of volcanic ash:

  • Nose and throat irritation
  • Coughing
  • Bronchitis-like illness
  • Discomfort while breathing
  • Eye irritation
  • Minor skin problems

To cope with volcanic ash, the health department asked the public to take the following precautionary measures:

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  • Minimize exposure to ash
  • Stay indoors as much as possible
  • Keep doors and windows closed
  • Keep home from infiltration by using damp curtains, blankets or clothing
  • Use dust masks
  • Wear goggles or eyeglasses to protect eyes from irritation
  • Keep pets in closed shelter
  • Clear your roof of ash
  • Observe traffic notifications and road safety measure

Taal spouts giant ash column after a phreatic explosion occurred in the volcano’s crater around 1 p.m.

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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has upgraded the Alert Status on Taal to Level 3 around 4 p.m., which means increasing the tendency towards an eruption.

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READ: Alert Level 3 up for Taal volcano

Phivolcs has already recommended that Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays in the towns of Agoncillo and Laurel in Batangas be evacuated, due to possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami.

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TAGS: ashfall, Batangas, DoH, Taal eruption, Taal Volcano

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