September 6, 2026 | 03:34 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Volcanic ash has blanketed several regions across Indonesia, including Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), following continuous eruptions from Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait.
Epidemiologist from Griffith University in Australia, Dicky Budiman, warns that volcanic ash is far more hazardous than regular dust. "This volcanic ash is very different from ordinary ash or dust because it contains silica, which acts like sharp glass shards and can cause damage, especially to exposed organs including the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin," Dicky told ANTARA on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Dicky explained that exposure to volcanic ash poses serious health risks due to its severe irritant properties. On the eyes, it can cause redness, stinging, watering, light sensitivity, and physical scratches on the cornea. The eyes can also suffer from conjunctivitis, marked by inflammation, redness, a burning sensation, and photosensitivity.
In the respiratory tract, he noted that ash exposure can trigger nose and throat irritation, a runny nose, dry coughs under high exposure levels, and chest tightness or pain.
He added that symptoms can escalate severely in individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis, causing phlegm buildup, noisy breathing, or wheezing.
"Sufferers are advised to avoid strenuous physical activity when volcanic ash concentration in the air is high, as faster breathing draws volcanic ash particles deeper into the lungs. Furthermore, fresh volcanic ash carries an acidic outer coating that heightens irritation to the lungs and eyes until it is washed away by rain," he said.
The epidemiologist thus shared health and safety guidelines on how to protect yourself and your family from volcanic ash as follows.
1. Wear N95 Masks and Protective Eyewear Outside
To prevent sharp silica particles from entering your lungs, wear a well-fitted mask such as an N95 respirator that tightly covers your nose and mouth. Avoid wearing contact lenses; instead, wear safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from fine scratches and inflammation.
2. Rinse Off Ash with Clean Water and Avoid Rubbing
If ash touches your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with clean water. Avoid rubbing your skin or eyes, as the abrasive particles can act like glass shards and cause fine tears. Do not shake ash-coated clothing, as this re-suspends fine particles into the air.
3. Seal Doors and Windows to Keep Ash Outdoors
Keep home doors and windows tightly closed to block circulating ash plumes. Limit opening doors to essential trips outside, and cover gap spaces under doors with damp cloths if necessary to prevent fine dust from entering living areas.
4. Wear Full-Coverage Clothing and Limit Physical Activities
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed shoes when stepping outdoors to minimize skin contact. Avoid strenuous exercise or outdoor physical activities while ash levels remain high, as rapid breathing draws microscopic volcanic particles deeper into your lung tissue.
5. Monitor Health Symptoms and Follow Official Updates
Fresh volcanic ash often carries an acidic outer layer that heightens lung and eye irritation. Anyone experiencing severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or persistent eye irritation should seek immediate medical assistance at a health facility. Stay calm and monitor updates exclusively from official government channels.
"I urge everyone to remain vigilant, follow official government updates, and avoid panic, as panic will only harm us all," the epidemiologist concluded.
Read: How to Remove Volcanic Ash from Vehicles Without Scratches
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