Not Ordinary Dust: The Dangers of Volcanic Ash
The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has explained that volcanic ash is not ordinary dust. Volcanic ash can contain sharp materials such as volcanic glass, crystals and rock fragments.
“Volcanic ash is not just ordinary dust. It can contain sharp materials such as volcanic glass, crystals and rock fragments that can disrupt breathing, eyes and skin,” the Geological Agency wrote in a post on its Instagram account @badan.geologi, quoted on Monday (7/9/2026).
The Geological Agency stated that the spread of volcanic ash can disrupt the health and activities of nearby communities. Materials carried along with the volcanic ash can irritate the respiratory tract, cause eye and skin problems, and potentially lead to long-term health issues if exposure occurs in large quantities.
The Geological Agency urged communities living around erupting volcanoes to take mitigation measures such as:
Use a suitable mask: Choose a mask that covers the nose and mouth properly (such as an N95 or medical mask)
Close ventilation gaps in the home: Reduce the amount of ash entering the house
Protect eyes with safety goggles: To shield the eyes from ash and irritation
Clean ash regularly: Remove ash from windows, terraces and other surfaces routinely
Reduce outdoor activities: Especially when ash concentrations are high
Status of Mount Anak Krakatau’s Activity
The activity level of Mount Anak Krakatau currently stands at Level III (Alert). The Geological Agency has urged the public not to enter within a 3 km radius of the centre of Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity. People should remain vigilant against the potential for pyroclastic clouds, lava, incandescent rock ejections and heavy ashfall.
Communities in coastal areas of Banten and Lampung provinces have been urged to remain calm and not believe rumours of a tsunami caused by the eruption.
“Follow the instructions of the local BPBD (Regional Disaster Management Agency),” the Geological Agency concluded.