Pediatrician Urges Parents to Protect Children From Volcanic Ash

Volcanic ash can disrupt the respiratory tract, particularly in children, pediatrician Leonirma Tengguna warned. She urged parents to limit outdoor activity and keep children away from direct ash exposure while an eruption continues.

Children aged two and older can wear masks if the mask fits their faces properly. Masks should not be used for babies under two because they may interfere with breathing, and infants may not be able to remove them if they struggle to breathe. Masks that are too large, loose or likely to slip will not provide adequate protection.

Parents should close doors and windows while ash is falling. If an air conditioner draws air from outside, that setting should be turned off. Tengguna also advised using an air purifier if one is available.

Settled ash should be dampened or washed down before it is cleaned. Removing it while dry can send particles back into the air, making them easier to inhale. Shoes, jackets and bags exposed outdoors should not be brought directly inside. Anyone who has been exposed should clean themselves and change clothes before holding a baby.

Tengguna advised parents to protect children’s eyes and skin as well. If ash enters the eyes, children should not rub them. The eyes can be rinsed with clean water or artificial tears. Skin exposed to ash should be washed under running water, including in skin folds.

Drinking water and food should be kept in tightly covered containers. Ingredients exposed to ash, especially those intended for complementary foods, should be washed thoroughly before preparation. Tengguna also said parents need to recognize warning signs of breathing problems after exposure and seek prompt attention, although the supplied report ends before listing those signs.

“

If you have an air purifier, now is the time to use it.