DOH cautions public vs dangers of Taal Volcano's emissions

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday urged people living near the Taal Volcano to wear protective gear when leaving their homes to protect themselves from the dangers posed by sulfur dioxide emitted in an eruption.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the sulfur dioxide emitted during the Taal Volcano’s short phreatomagmatic bursts on Thursday may irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, especially for people with asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.

“Ang mga panganib na dulot ng pagkilos nitong bulkan ay may kaakibat din pong panganib sa ating kalusugan (The threat posed by the unrest of the volcano has a corresponding threat to our health),” she said in an online briefing.

Vergeire said the sulfur dioxide emissions may cause difficulty in breathing, a heavy feeling in the chest, coughs, and an itchy throat or nose.

“Magsuot po kayo ng dust mask o N95 mask, proteksyon sa mata tulad ng goggles, at proteksyon sa balat kung kayo ay lalabas ng bahay (Wear a dust mask or N95 mask, eye protection like goggles, and skin protection when leaving the house),” she said.

“Higit sa lahat, manatili po tayong alerto sa mga kaganapang ito at sumunod po tayo sa mga warning o abiso ng inyong LGU (Most importantly, stay alert and follow the warnings or advisories of your LGU),” she added.

Vergeire also called on those living near the volcano to keep their doors and windows closed and to stay indoors as much as possible.

Over 1,000 people have been evacuated following Taal Volcano’s short-lived eruption.

State volcanologists have assured the public, however, that the volcano’s most recent unrest is a different scenario from the January 2020 phreatic eruption.—AOL, GMA News