Residents near Taal cautioned against volcanic smog

FILE PHOTO: Taal Volcano is showing signs of renewed unrest, with sulfur dioxide emission reaching over 17,000 metric tons on Sunday, August 7, 2022, and voluminous steam-rich plume activity in the past three days, as shown in this photo taken on Monday. Residents in areas surrounding the volcano are asked to stay alert even as the volcano remains under alert level 1. INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities on Sunday warned residents living near Taal Volcano to take precautionary measures against the effects of volcanic smog (vog) on the respiratory system.

The Department of Health (DOH)-Center for Health Development Calabarzon issued the advisory after 36 students from Bayorbor National High School and Bayorbor Senior High School were sent to the Rural Health Unit after experiencing chest pains and difficulty breathing associated with dizziness on Friday, September 8.

Some students also complained of stomach pains and numbness in both feet while one student was admitted to the hospital and is currently being treated, it added.

“Vog is a type of air pollution caused by volcanoes, consisting of fine droplets containing volcanic gas, such as sulfur dioxide, which is acidic and can cause irritation to the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract,” the DOH-Center for Health Development Calabarzon said in a statement released on Saturday night.

DOH assured that it is closely working with its provincial office and municipal health office to provide the assistance needed by affected communities.

As of this writing, 4,100 pieces of face masks have already been distributed to communities. Face mask buffer stocks were likewise prepositioned, authorities said.

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