Is aircon use safe during ashfall? Here's what the DOH has to say

As residents from as far as Pangasinan experienced ashfall on Sunday night as a result of Taal Volcano's phreatic explosion, social media became abuzz with discussion on whether or not aircon use is safe during such event.

Interviewed on Unang Balita on Monday, Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo gave his two cents on the issue.

According to Domingo, as far as the Department of Health (DOH) is concerned, it is not advisable for residents to use their airconditioning units during an ashfall.

"Ang DOH kasi, ang advise natin ay huwag na lang po muna [gamitin ang aircon] kasi maaaring yung very fine particles ay maipasok ng aircon sa loob ng kuwarto," he said.

"Kasi pag sinarhan na po talaga natin yung pinto, mas safe tayo na hindi makakapasok [yung particles] so pag nagpapasok pa tayo ng hangin na galing sa labas, maaari pa rin itong magdala ng irritating agents," he added.

Domingo explained that ashfalls carry solid particles that are suspended in the air and have chemicals like sulfur that can cause irritation.

"Maliit pa siya sa alikabok," he said of particles that are in ashfall, adding they are "irritating and harmful."

Domingo also advised people with asthma, emphysema and chronic respiratory diseases to take extra precaution during an ashfall. —KBK, GMA News