Epidemiologist Explains the Dangers of Volcanic Ash and How to Clean It Safely

Volcanic ash is not ordinary dust, epidemiologist Dicky Budiman said. The silica it contains can act like sharp glass fragments, damaging exposed areas such as the eyes, nose, mouth and skin.

In the eyes, ash may cause redness, pain, watering, light sensitivity and scratches. It can also trigger conjunctivitis, bringing further redness, burning and sensitivity to sunlight. In the respiratory tract, exposure can irritate the nose and throat and cause a runny nose, dry cough, shortness of breath or chest pain.

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Volcanic ash is very different from ordinary ash or dust because it contains silica that is like sharp glass fragments and can cause damage, especially to exposed organs such as the eyes, nose, mouth and skin.

People with asthma or chronic bronchitis may experience more severe symptoms, including phlegmy coughing, noisy breathing and wheezing. Budiman advised them to avoid strenuous activity when ash levels are high and particles are circulating. Faster breathing can draw fine ash deeper into the lungs.

Fresh ash may also carry an acidic coating, he said, increasing irritation in the lungs and eyes before rain washes it away. He urged people to clean ash as soon as possible with water, rather than rubbing it into surfaces or shaking clothing and spreading the particles. He also recommended keeping windows and doors tightly closed.

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People are advised to avoid strenuous activity when volcanic ash in the air is high and circulating, because faster breathing will draw fine ash particles deeper into the lungs.