DoH warns residents near Taal volcano vs. hazards

The Department of Health (DoH) on Friday warned residents living near the restless Taal volcano and people living in areas that could possibly be affected by the volcanic activities to against hazards such as sulfur dioxide and ash fall.

“The threat brought by the volcanic activities also posed danger to our health. The sulfur dioxide emitted by the volcano or ash fall is dangerous to anyone who will be exposed to it,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online briefing.

 

Vergeire said these volcanic hazards are more dangerous to people who have asthma, bronchitis or emphysema.

Sulfur dioxide can cause severe irritation to the nose, throat and lungs. High exposure to this toxic material can cause life-threatening accumulation of fluid in the lungs also known as pulmonary edema.

The Health department encouraged residents near Taal volcano to stay at home as much as possible and close possible airways like windows and doors to prevent the exposure to the toxic materials.

“You should also wear N95 masks, eye protective equipment like goggles and protection to skin when going outside,” she added.

She reminded the residents living near Taal volcano and areas that could possibly be affected by the volcanic activities to stay safe and listen to advisories of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and local government units.

PHIVOLCS placed Taal Volcano on alert level 3 after it spewed a one kilometer-high plume of ash and steam on Thursday.

Taal Volcano’s recent phreatic eruption happened in January last year and prompted more than 100,000 residents near the Taal Volcano to evacuate.