Getting indoor during an ashfall? Check hair first, public advised

A search and rescue expert on Monday urged the public to check their hair too when entering the house or any establishment if they are caught by an ashfall outdoor.

Interviewed on Unang Hirit, Jerry Carual of Search and Rescue Unit Foundation said going indoor without checking one's hair is a common mistake overlooked in protective measures during ashfalls.

Carual reminded the public to keep their hair free from ash particles.

“Pumasok ka sa bahay. Tinangay mo sa bahay mo ‘yun (ashfall particles). Delikado rin ‘yun, tumatama siya sa mata. Nada-damage din ang anit,” he said.

The Department of Health (DOH), for its part, said the ashfall due to the phreatic eruptions of Taal Volcano on Sunday contains harmful chemicals.

Interviewed on Unang Balita, Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said particles from the ashfall are actually microscopic. “Yung ashfall kasi solid particles ‘yan na suspended sa hangin at meron din syang chemical katulad ng sulfur at ibang asido,” he said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said ashfall contains particles with carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, fluorine, hydrochloric acid among others.

“Hangga’t maaari huwag muna tayong lumabas,” he said in a separate interview on Dobol sa News TV.

The DOH listed the following as some of the health effects of volcanic ash:

• Nose and throat irritation
• Coughing
• Bronchitis-like illness
• Discomfort while breathing
• Eye irritation
• Minor skin problems

To prevent the health complications, the DOH advised the public to take the following precautionary measures:

• Minimize exposure to ash
• Stay indoors as much as possible
• Keep doors and windows closed
• Keep home from infiltration by using damp curtains, blankets or clothing
• Use dust masks
• Wear goggles or eyeglasses to protect eyes from irritation
• Keep pets in closed shelter
• Clear your roof of ash
• Observe traffic notifications and road safety measure

Domingo advised those who are suffering from asthma, emphysema, and chronic pulmonary disease to stay at home, close all ventilation to avoid exposure to ashfall. According to him, they are more vulnerable to health complication when they inhale the harmful chemicals.

Carual meanwhile said if N95 mask — the best mask to wear during an ashfall — is not available, a damp towel can be used as an alternative covering to prevent breathing in the ash particles.

PHIVOLCS has raised Alert Level 4 over the Taal Volcano, hours after a phreatic eruption took place at the crater on Sunday. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News