Mount Anak Krakatau Ash Poses Health Risks, Epidemiologist Warns
Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau contains sharp silica that can irritate eyes & lungs, an epidemiologist warns as ash spreads across Indonesia.
Epidemiologist Dicky Budiman of Griffith University (Australia) has warned of the health risks posed by volcanic ash emitted by Mount Anak Krakatau in Indonesia. Unlike ordinary ash, volcanic ash contains silica particles that can cause severe irritation and damage to exposed body parts, such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. Symptoms of exposure include redness, stinging, watering, light sensitivity, corneal abrasions, nasal and throat irritation, runny nose, dry cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and even a productive cough or wheezing in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis.
Dicky advises the public to promptly clean up fresh volcanic ash using water, avoiding actions that could spread the particles further. Keeping windows and doors closed, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using masks with N95 filtration are recommended to minimize exposure. When outdoors, N95 masks should be worn tightly over the mouth and nose, along with safety goggles or glasses to protect the eyes. If irritation occurs, immediate rinsing of the eyes with clean water is advised.
Individuals experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or eye irritation should seek medical attention at a healthcare facility to mitigate the adverse health effects of the volcanic ash. Dicky emphasized the importance of staying vigilant, following official government updates, and avoiding panic, as panic could be counterproductive.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
