Why Volcanic Ash Remains Dangerous Long After Eruptions<\/p>\n
Reporter<\/p>\n
September 8, 2026 | 08:57 pm<\/p>\n
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Public vigilance regarding volcanic ash must not\nend once an eruption ceases. Deputy Chair I of the Central Executive\nBoard of the Indonesian Internal Medicine Specialists Association\n(PAPDI), Dr.\u00a0Sukamto Koesnoe, warned that health hazards linger long\nafter the eruption.<\/p>\n
Vigilance remains necessary as long as ash stays in the environment.\nSukamto explained that as long as ash sits on ground surfaces, rooftops,\nand roadways, particles can be kicked back into the air by wind,\nvehicular traffic, and cleanup efforts, posing ongoing health risks.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo the risk persists for days to weeks until the ash is completely\ncleared or washed away by rain,\u201d Sukamto told ANTARA in Jakarta on\nTuesday, September 8.<\/p>\n
Sukamto noted that volcanic ash is not ordinary dust, as it consists\nof sharp, angular silica particles, including fine matter (PM10 and\nPM2.5) capable of penetrating deep into the lower respiratory tract and\nalveoli.<\/p>\n
Health Impacts of Lingering Volcanic Ash<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most common respiratory tract disorders include nasal\nirritation, a dry and sore throat, a dry cough, shortness of breath, and\nchest tightness,\u201d Sukamto said.<\/p>\n
Inhaling these particles frequently triggers acute attacks or\nflare-ups in individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, chronic\nobstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and allergic\nrhinitis. Furthermore, irritation of the respiratory mucosa weakens\nlocal airway defenses, elevating the risk of acute respiratory\ninfections.<\/p>\n
The health hazards of volcanic ash extend beyond the respiratory\nsystem. Sukamto noted that risks also apply to ocular health, causing\nirritation, redness, conjunctivitis, and corneal abrasions from abrasive\nash particles.<\/p>\n
\u201cContact lens wearers face the highest risk and should temporarily\nswitch to eyeglasses,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Skin contact can lead to irritation, itching, and dermatitis,\nparticularly if the ash is acidic or reacts with sweat.<\/p>\n
Additional hazards arise if ash contaminates exposed food and\ndrinking water, causing gastrointestinal distress.<\/p>\n
Airborne PM2.5 particles pose cardiovascular risks, potentially\naggravating underlying conditions in individuals with heart disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cSilicosis is often cited, but that is a long-term risk resulting\nfrom years of repeated exposure. What is more relevant to the public\nright now are these acute impacts,\u201d Sukamto said.<\/p>\n
How to Protect Yourself<\/p>\n
\u201cFor patients with chronic lung disease and the elderly, influenza\nand pneumococcal vaccinations should be updated. This is an\noften-forgotten part of the protection system,\u201d said the lecturer from\nthe Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the Faculty of\nMedicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI).<\/p>\n
Sukamto advised asthma and COPD patients to ensure controller and\nreliever medications are always available and carried when\ntraveling.<\/p>\n
\u201cSee a health facility immediately if you experience worsening\nshortness of breath or wheezing that doesn\u2019t improve with an inhaler,\nchest pain, fever with a persistent cough with phlegm, or eye pain and\nblurred vision,\u201d said the clinical educator in the Division of\nEndocrinology, Immunology, and Infection at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital\n(RSCM).<\/p>\n
To mitigate particle exposure, Sukamto recommended N95, KN95, or FFP2\nrespirators as the most effective defense, provided they fit tightly\nwithout gaps at the nose and cheeks. When wearing a mask, he noted, the\nkey is not just the filter material, but the tightness of the seal to\nthe face.<\/p>\n
Read: How Harmful Is Volcanic Ash to Plants?<\/p>\n
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