Health Ministry sets out safe methods for handling volcanic ash

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Health has issued tips for handling volcanic ash safely, noting that volcanic ash differs from ordinary ash and therefore requires different treatment.

“Volcanic ash contains sharp silica particles and is acidic in nature, so if it is handled incorrectly it can damage floors, glass and vehicles, while also endangering the lungs,” said Imran Pambudi, Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the Ministry of Health, in Jakarta on Monday.

During the handling process, he said, residents or officers should wear N95 or KN95 masks, protective goggles, gloves and long-sleeved clothing, and keep children, the elderly and people with lung conditions away from the area being cleaned, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of ash exposure.

He stressed the importance of closing doors and windows tightly so that ash from outside does not get back in, and switching off fans or air conditioning units so that particles do not circulate and spread throughout the room.

In addition, surfaces covered in ash should be dampened by lightly spraying water before sweeping or collecting the ash, because dousing it with buckets of water will cause the ash to harden like cement.

“With careful steps and proper protection, homes can be returned to cleanliness without posing additional health risks to their occupants,” said Imran.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the ministry had begun activating the Health Emergency Operating Centre (HEOC) and preparing various supplies, including nebulisers, oxygen concentrators, eye drops and skin ointments, in response to the health impacts of the Anak Krakatau eruption.

At a press conference in Jakarta on Sunday, he said the eruption of Anak Krakatau affected health, particularly the respiratory system, eyes and skin.

To reduce these impacts, he advised the public to stay at home. If going outside, people are advised to wear masks and goggles to prevent particles from the eruption from entering the body.

He also reminded residents not to rub their eyes if exposed to eruption particles, and to clean them with water or eye drops, or visit a community health centre (puskesmas) for treatment.