Doctor urges parents not to turn on fans during volcanic ashfall

Children are the group most vulnerable to volcanic ash from the eruption of Anak Krakatau, and doctors are urging parents to take even early respiratory symptoms seriously.

Wahyuni Indawati, head of the Indonesian Pediatric Society’s pediatric pulmonology coordination unit, said ash exposure can trigger dangerous acute attacks or worsening symptoms in children with allergies, asthma or chronic lung disease. Common symptoms include airway irritation, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose and shortness of breath.

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In children with a history of allergies, asthma or chronic lung disease, exposure to volcanic ash can trigger dangerous acute attacks or exacerbations.

Other high-risk groups include babies with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and children with congenital heart disease. “If a child begins showing signs of respiratory problems, such as rapid breathing, inward pulling of the chest wall, or oxygen saturation below 94 percent, immediately take the child to the nearest health facility,” Wahyuni said in a written statement cited on Sept. 8, 2026.

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If a child begins showing signs of respiratory problems, such as rapid breathing, inward pulling of the chest wall, or oxygen saturation below 94 percent, immediately take the child to the nearest health facility.

She stressed that volcanic ash is not ordinary dust. It consists of extremely fine fragments of rock, minerals and volcanic glass, whose sharp, abrasive surfaces can scratch and irritate the airways when inhaled. The ash can also contain irritant gases, including sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, which may intensify irritation and trigger inflammation in children’s respiratory systems.

The society’s pediatric pulmonology unit recommended moving children away from affected areas as the best protection. When evacuation is not possible, parents should keep children indoors and seal the home as tightly as possible to prevent ash from entering. Doctors also advise avoiding the use of fans while volcanic ash is present.

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Volcanic ash also contains irritant gases such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can worsen irritation and trigger inflammation in the respiratory system of children.