Fine Volcanic Ash Particles Make Breathing Difficult, Asthma Sufferers Must Stay Alert

Exposure to volcanic ash from volcanic eruptions poses a serious health threat, particularly for sufferers of chronic respiratory diseases. Acute shortness of breath or exacerbations can deteriorate rapidly if volcanic dust is inhaled into the deepest parts of the lungs.

Professor of the Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI), Prof. Dr. Faisal Yunus, Ph.D., Sp.P(K), reminded that for individuals with a pre-existing history of lung disease, exposure to ash particles multiplies the risk of respiratory disorders.

“For people with existing lung disease, it becomes even more dangerous. Even without ash exposure, they already have difficulty breathing. With volcanic ash, what we fear is the onset of breathing attacks or exacerbations in asthma and COPD sufferers, with all the consequences that entails,” said Prof. Faisal when contacted from Jakarta on Monday (7/9/2026).

Faisal explained that the level of danger posed by volcanic ash is largely determined by the micron size of the fine particles it contains. The smaller the particle size, the deeper its ability to penetrate the human respiratory system.

Meanwhile, fine particles smaller than 1 micron are categorised as respirable dust. These microscopic particles are capable of penetrating as far as the alveoli, the tiny air sacs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place within the lungs.

The entry of respirable dust into the alveoli directly disrupts the process of distributing oxygen throughout the body. Yet oxygen supply is vital for supporting cellular respiration, energy production, brain and nervous system function, heart performance, blood circulation, and maintaining the resilience of the immune system.

“This dust will interfere with breathing and activity even in healthy people. Imagine if the person already has a lung condition beforehand. Diseases such as asthma and COPD, if exposed to this dust, can immediately trigger an exacerbation,” stressed Prof. Faisal.