Greta Jimenez
Volcanic eruptions release a variety of contaminants into the atmosphere, including gases and particles such as sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, acid aerosols, and inert particles (ash). The ash produced by volcanoes is made up of tiny fragments of jagged rock, minerals, and volcanic glass, and is known to be a type of particulate matter air pollution. This fine particulate matter can be transported by wind and enter indoor spaces, causing indoor pollution. Given the potential health risks associated with volcanic ash inhalation, it is important to understand the impact of ash on indoor air quality and human health, particularly for those living near active volcanoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Minerals, volcanic glass, jagged rock fragments |
| Particle size | 2mm or smaller |
| Texture | Coarse particles feel like grains of sand; fine particles are powdery |
| Transport | Wind can carry volcanic ash thousands of miles |
| Health effects | Eye and upper airway irritation, breathing problems, lung damage, suffocation, skin irritation |
| Impact on infrastructure | Damages vehicles, buildings, water supplies, sewage and electrical systems, machinery, aviation |
| Indoor impact | Can enter buildings through air vents, contaminating indoor air |
| Cleanup | Protective gear, N-95 masks, goggles, and protective clothing are recommended |
| Health data limitations | Volcanoes are often in areas with poor healthcare facilities and limited medical data |
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What You'll Learn
Ash from a volcano can cause eye and upper airway irritation
Volcanic eruptions release a number of contaminants into the atmosphere, including gases and particles such as sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, acid aerosols, and inert particles (ash). The formation and amount of ash vary depending on the circumstances of the eruption. Wind can carry volcanic ash from explosive eruptions thousands of miles from the volcano, causing problems if it settles on the Earth's surface.
Volcanic ash is made of tiny fragments of jagged rock, minerals, and volcanic glass. Particles of volcanic ash are generally two millimetres or smaller, and the further away from the volcano, the smaller the particles are. These particles can be transported very long distances and can enter buildings through open windows and doors, affecting indoor air quality.
Inhaling volcanic ash can cause eye and upper airway irritation, breathing problems, and lung damage. The ash particles' abrasive nature can scratch the surface of the skin and eyes, causing discomfort and inflammation. Suffocation due to inhaling large amounts of ash and volcanic gases is the most common cause of death from a volcano.
To protect against the harmful effects of volcanic ash, it is recommended to stay indoors and keep windows and vents closed. Ordinary dust masks are not effective as they still allow smaller particles to pass through. Instead, N-95 masks or respirators are recommended for protection from particle pollution. It is also important to follow local authorities' instructions for cleanup procedures and to wear protective gear, including goggles and protective clothing, during the cleanup process.
While the immediate impact of volcanic ash on indoor air quality can be mitigated by staying indoors and taking proper precautions, the long-term effects on indoor spaces, particularly in areas closer to the eruption site, can be more challenging to address. Volcanic ash can settle in ventilation systems, air conditioning units, and building structures, requiring specialised cleaning and filtration methods to remove the ash particles and restore indoor air quality.
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Inhaling volcanic ash can cause breathing problems and damage lungs
Volcanic eruptions release a number of contaminants into the atmosphere, including gases and particles such as Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid, and inert particles (ash). These particles can be so fine that they are breathed deep into the lungs, causing a range of respiratory issues.
Volcanic ash is a type of particulate matter air pollution, and exposure to it can trigger asthma attacks and cause wheezing, coughing, and respiratory irritation in individuals with sensitive airways. The size of the ash particles determines how deeply they penetrate the respiratory tract. Larger particles (10-100 µm in diameter) lodge in the upper airways, while those in the 4-10 µm size range deposit in the trachea and bronchial tubes. Very fine particles (<4 µm in diameter) may penetrate deeper into the lungs, into the alveolar region. Deposition of smaller particles in the thoracic region (bronchial tubes and bronchioles) is associated with acute disease outcomes such as exacerbation of asthma and bronchitis.
In the long term, exposure to volcanic ash can cause silicosis, a chronic lung disease resulting in potentially permanent scars to the lungs and impaired lung function. The most hazardous eruptions are those that generate fine-grained ash with a high content of free crystalline silica, as this mineral has the potential to cause silicosis. If volcanic ash falls into water supplies and is ingested, it can also affect the digestive system.
Particle pollution can remain in areas for many days after a volcanic eruption and can become airborne again during cleanup. It is important to minimise exposure to volcanic ash, especially for sensitive populations such as children, older adults, and individuals with lung disease. Protective gear, such as N-95 masks or respirators, goggles, and protective clothing, is recommended during cleanup to avoid inhaling ash and other particulates.
While there is limited data on the health effects of volcanic ash inhalation due to the uniqueness of ash characteristics and the lack of detailed exposure assessments, it is clear that inhaling volcanic ash can cause breathing problems and damage lungs. The potential for harm depends on factors such as particle size, concentration, and the way ash enters the breathing zone.
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Volcanic ash can contaminate water supplies
Volcanic ash is a type of particulate matter air pollution that can be harmful to human health. It can cause asthma attacks and respiratory irritation in individuals with sensitive airways, especially in children, older adults, and people with lung disease. While the focus is often on the immediate health effects of volcanic ash, it is important to consider its impact on water supplies as well.
One of the main ways volcanic ash impacts water quality is by increasing turbidity, or the measure of water opacity due to suspended particles. Higher turbidity can cause issues for water treatment plants, as it reduces the effectiveness of disinfection treatments, allowing disease-causing microorganisms to persist. Additionally, volcanic ash can lead to increased water demand during the cleanup phase, potentially resulting in water shortages.
The vulnerability of fresh water supplies and wastewater treatment during volcanic ashfall has been observed in various locations, including New Zealand, Vanuatu, Argentina, the USA, Costa Rica, Montserrat, Iceland, and Guadeloupe. However, there is still limited understanding of the specific health risks associated with volcanic ash in drinking water, and more research is needed to develop effective mitigation measures.
To protect water supplies during volcanic eruptions, it is crucial to anticipate and plan for increased water demand and potential shortages. Additionally, the use of resilient design features in water treatment systems can help mitigate the impact of high turbidity levels caused by volcanic ash. By understanding the potential risks and implementing preventive measures, communities can better safeguard their water resources from the contaminating effects of volcanic ashfall.
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Ashfall can cause minor to major damage to buildings
Ashfall from explosive volcanic eruptions can cause damage to buildings. This is one of the most widespread and frequent volcanic hazards, affecting large areas and a wide range of assets. The severity of the intrusion depends on the integrity of windows and entrances, the air intake features, and the care taken to control the transport of ash into a building via clothing and shoes.
Buildings with steeper roof pitches tend to suffer more damage, although roofs with a pitch of less than 35 degrees are unlikely to shed dry ash. Wet ash will adhere to the roof covering at even higher pitches. When ash is wet, static loads may increase by up to 100%. Ashfall can cause roofs to collapse, although this usually requires a very thick ash deposit of over 100 mm, more commonly 300 mm.
To prevent damage to buildings, it is important to ensure that they are properly sealed. Clean-up procedures should also be followed, including the use of protective gear such as N-95 masks, respirators, goggles, and protective clothing. When cleaning indoors, it is important to improve ventilation by opening doors and windows. Damp, dustless cleaning methods like damp rags and vacuums can help avoid making the ash airborne.
Mitigation measures can reduce and sometimes avoid the impact of ashfall on buildings. These include the rapid and regular removal of ash, as well as the use of planking, mats, plywood sheets, and pliable footwear to prevent slippage and damage during clean-up.
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Volcanic ash is challenging to clean up
Volcanic ash is an indoor and outdoor pollutant. Volcanoes spew ash, a type of particulate matter air pollution, into the air for miles downwind of the eruption. This can be harmful to children, older adults, and people with lung disease. Exposure to volcanic ash can cause asthma attacks and respiratory irritation in individuals with sensitive airways.
When cleaning indoors, it is important to open doors and windows to improve ventilation. It is recommended to use damp, dustless cleaning methods, such as damp rags, mops, and vacuums, to avoid making the ash airborne. Vacuums with high-efficiency particulate filtering systems are ideal. Avoid using a brush or broom as this can also cause ash to become airborne. Ash-coated fabrics should be rinsed under running water and then washed carefully, or they can be taken outside and beaten to remove the ash.
It is important to clean all surfaces that may blow air and recirculate the ash, such as stove fans and vents, air conditioner and furnace filters, and refrigerator air intakes. Electronics such as computers, TVs, and radios should be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner or compressed air.
Additionally, proper disposal sites are needed to ensure that ash does not have to be moved multiple times and that cleanup operations can begin immediately. Several factors can impact the cleanup process, including additional ashfall, wind, and rain, which can spread ash particles over areas that have already been cleaned. Ash deposits may also harden after being wet, making cleanup more difficult.
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Frequently asked questions
Volcanic ash is made of tiny fragments of jagged rock, minerals, and volcanic glass. It is produced during explosive volcanic eruptions.
Volcanic ash can enter indoor spaces through open doors and windows during cleanup, or by attaching itself to clothing and shoes. Ash particles can damage indoor items such as electronics and contaminate water supplies.
Yes, inhaling volcanic ash can be very harmful and may cause eye and upper airway irritation, breathing problems, and lung damage. It is especially dangerous for children, older adults, and people with lung disease.
It is recommended to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed during a volcanic eruption. If you need to go outside, wear protective gear such as safety goggles, an N-95 mask, and clothing that covers your skin. When you return indoors, remove your clothing and shoes to avoid bringing ash inside.
