Volcanic ash: why is it so dangerous, what damage does it cause to health?

2023-05-11 20:29:02

Los effects of volcano ash they can go almost unnoticed, the problem is that they last a long time, even after the rash has ended, increasing the risk of developing problems not only in the respiratory tract. Find out what are the damage to health what causes the volcanic ash.

This Thursday, May 11, the Popocatepetl volcano It recorded several explosions during the early hours of the morning, one of them was so strong that it could be heard in nearby areas, causing damage to the windows of nearby houses and businesses in Puebla. In addition, the inhabitants of a possible eruption.

¡’To Support‘ Dawn Bravo! Today he showed his strength on two occasions, the first around 1:52 a.m. and the second at 3:16 a.m. According to data from National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred), until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10, it had recorded 191 exhalations, accompanied by ash, volcanic gases and water vapor.

Volcanic ash: why is it so dangerous, what damage does it cause to health?/ Photo: iStock

What does the ashes of a volcano contain?

Las ashes from a volcano are finite fragments of rocks and minerals that are pulverized during a volcanic eruptionThey are mainly composed of glassy materials, such as glass or crystals that form when magma cools and solidifies rapidly, describes the Cenapred.

The fragments of volcanic ash They vary in size from 0.0025 millimeters to a few centimeters, on the other hand, their appearance also changes depending on the type of volcanoas well as the rash shape, since its color can be from a light gray tone to a darker tone, such as black. In addition to varying between grit to a powder as fine as talc.

How dangerous is volcanic ash?

The volcanic ash It can be very dangerous to health depending on the amount that the volcano exhales, its proximity, as well as the duration of the explosion. Information of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), reveals that the inhalation of volcanic ash is capable of irritating the lungs and respiratory tract, causing coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

Volcanic ash: why is it so dangerous, what damage does it cause to health?/ Photo: iStock

In addition to irritate the respiratory tractthe volcanic ash It can also cause the following discomfort:

• Sore throat
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• tearing in the eyes
• acute conjunctivitis
• Burning, red, or tender eyes
• skin irritation

On the other hand, prolonged exposure to volcanic ash increases the risk of developing respiratory diseases as chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)which worsens over time, causing respiratory infections, heart problems or lung cancer, describe specialists from the Mayo Clinic Medical Institute.

Volcanic ash: why is it so dangerous, what damage does it cause to health?/ Photo: iStock

What happens if I drink water with volcano ash?

The volcano ash it is so fine that it travels easily through the air, contaminating large areas, for example, the water sources. It is not recommended to drink water contaminated with volcanic ash, since it could be harmful to health.

specialists of Occupational Health Council, warn that by having chemical substances such as sulfuric acid, chlorine and fluoride, it could cause gastrointestinal problems and neurological disorders.

now that you know what damage to health does volcanic ash causeremember that the most important thing is to protect yourself against it by following the recommendations:

• Avoid outdoor activities
• Close doors and windows
• Protect your eyes, nose and mouth
• Seal the cracks in doors and windows with damp cloths to limit the entry of ash into your home.
• Close water tanks and water tanks to prevent them from being contaminated.
• Cover gadgets and cars so they don’t get damaged or scratched.
• Avoid driving during volcanic eruptions, as the ash reduces visibility and could be very dangerous. Also, the pavement becomes more slippery.

For the moment, the Popocatépetl volcanic alert traffic light is found in Yellow Phase 2Take into account the recommendations and take care of yourself.

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