Serious Threat from Volcanic Ash For Human Health

The eruption of Mount Sinabung in Karo, North Sumatra not just sprayed a volcanic ash, but launched a hot cloud as high as 4,900. Volcanic ash that ejected from the eruption of Mount Sinabung even looks like an atomic bomb explosion that occurred in Nagasaki and Hirshima in Japan. Black and gray ash drooped to form a giant fungus.
From the results of monitoring by the National Disaster Management Agency, there are no casualties in the event, but what about the impact of volcanic ash on the health of the surrounding population?

Volcanic ash of Mount Sinabung in Karo, North Sumatra, August 2, 2017
_{Source: www.jambipos-online.com}

Giant fungus from the eruption of Mount Sinabung _{Source: kompas.com}

The impact of volcanic ash for health can be examined from the chemical content of volcanic ash itself. When in the volcanic ash air is usually a very small size that is less than 2μm. Generally volcanic ash released from volcanic eruptions contains materials such as silica, minerals, and rocks. The most common ingredients are sulfate, chloride, sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and fluoride. Although there are also other elements such as zinc, cadmium, and lead, but in lower concentrations. While the five highest chemical composition of volcanic ash volcano in sequence is silicon dioxide reaches 55 percent, aluminum oxide 18 percent, 18 percent iron oxide, 8 percent calcium oxide, and 2.5 percent magnesium oxide.

Particle of volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens, 200x magnification
_{Source: www.awesomestories.com}

Silica particles from the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull _{Source: blogs.nature.com}

Here are some of the dangers of volcanic ash for health that you need to be aware of :

1. Respiratory Health

Grain size dependence of penetration of airborne particulate matter into the respiratory system
_{Source: volcanoes.usgs.gov}

Dust material that enters through the respiratory tract can cause respiratory irritation to infections. Exposure to volcanic ash in the respiratory tract can also cause acute effects in people with respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and enfisema (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

2. Eye Symptoms

Eye irritation due to sand pieces can cause abrasion of the cornea of the eye
_{Source: www.centreforsight.net}

The texture of volcanic ash is different from ordinary dust. In volcanic ash there is a silica content that has a crystal angle that is tapered or sharp, so it can scratch and cause irritation. In addition to causing irritation, volcanic ash can also damage the corneal lining of the eye.

To protect your eyes you should wear glasses when it comes to areas exposed to volcanic ash. If dust enters the eye, do not rub or rub your eyes because it can cause scratches on the cornea lining.

3. Skin Irritation

Illustration of allergy to skin due to exposure to volcanic ash
_{Source: www.pearsonariel.org}

Volcanic dust contains harmful substances such as CO gas, H2S, SO2, which can cause health problems to the skin. Although the case is quite rare and more common in people with sensitive skin types. Bad effects that occur are generally mild, irritation and redness of exposed skin, but enough to make the patient uncomfortable.

Prevent the impact of Volcanic ash on health

To avoid the negative impact of volcanic ash on health, the exposure of volcanic ash must be prevented by being as far away as possible with the location of the eruption and also not consuming water from contaminated water sources. In addition, outdoor activities also need to be reduced, but if not possible then use a mask or cloth to cover the mouth and nose and glasses. This is done as a step to reduce the exposure of volcanic ash in the respiratory tract and reduce ash irritation with the eyes.

Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes, and a respirator to protect your lungs
_{Source: www.wikihow.com}

Volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Sinabung even brought wind to the city of Lhokseumawe which is more than 260 km. To the friends all to keep themselves from and the family from the effects of volcanic ash caused.

My Refference :

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_ash
2. https://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/health/case_studies/volcanic_ash.html
3. https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/respiratory_effects.html

BEST REGARDS,

@zerometal