Cebu ashfall: Experts warn vs health risks, contaminated water

CEBU CITY, Philippines — With the ashfall from the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon reaching several parts of Cebu, health and environmental officials are reminding residents that the hazards do not end once the ash settles.

Experts said volcanic ash can irritate the respiratory system, eyes, skin, and throat, while drinking water sources exposed to ash may no longer be safe for consumption because volcanic ash contains sulfur and other minerals.

The reminders came after ashfall was reported in parts of Cebu, prompting authorities to issue health advisories for affected communities.

READ: EXPLAINER: How did the Kanlaon ashfall reach Cebu and how long will it last?

Respiratory illnesses remain the biggest concern

Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-7) Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes said residents should avoid going outdoors unless absolutely necessary, even if they are wearing face masks.

He explained that volcanic ash contains extremely fine particles that may still be inhaled if a face mask does not fit properly.

The DOH recommends using a properly fitted N95 or KN95 face mask whenever going outside cannot be avoided.

Brillantes said breathing in volcanic ash can immediately affect the respiratory system, making respiratory problems the most common health concern during ashfall.

“As much as possible, avoid gyud og gawas-gawas, especially if these are non-essential […] Kung kinahanglan gyud mogawas, make sure nga fitted ang N95 o KN95 mask para maprotektahan ka,” Brillantes said.

(As much as possible, really avoid going out, especially if it is non-essential […] If it is absolutely necessary to go out, make sure the N95 or KN95 mask is well-fitted to protect yourself.)

Skin, eyes, and throat may also be affected

Aside from respiratory problems, Brillantes said exposure to volcanic ash may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat because the ash contains sulfur and other irritating particles.

He added that children, infants, senior citizens, people with asthma, and individuals with existing medical conditions are among those most vulnerable to complications and should avoid unnecessary exposure to ashfall whenever possible.

The DOH official also noted that disasters such as volcanic ashfall may cause emotional stress among affected residents.

“We advise, especially ang katong mga children [and] infants, as much as possible, ilimita sila. Dili sila ma-expose ani pa because they are prone to secondary infections sa complications sa ashfalls,” Brillantes said.

(We advise that children and infants, as much as possible, should have their outdoor exposure limited. They shouldn’t be exposed to this because they are prone to secondary infections from ashfall complications.)

Water sources affected

Another concern raised by residents is whether rainwater or drinking water exposed to volcanic ash remains safe.

According to Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Air Quality Monitoring Expert Engr. Arthur Niño Calupig, the answer is no.

Calupig explained that volcanic ash is different from ordinary dust because it contains sulfur and other minerals that may contaminate water sources.

He said groundwater and other drinking water sources exposed to ashfall should not be consumed, even if visible ash particles have already been filtered out.

“Hindi po ordinaryong dust ito. Volcanic ash ito na may sulfur at iba pang minerals. Kapag na-expose ang groundwater o drinking water source sa ashfall, hindi po advisable na inumin kahit i-filter pa ang abo,” Calupig said.

(This is not ordinary dust. This is volcanic ash that contains sulfur and other minerals. If groundwater or a drinking water source is exposed to ashfall, it is not advisable to drink it even if the ash has been filtered.)

He added that sulfur is also one of the substances associated with acid rain, making contaminated water unsuitable for drinking.

Take precautions when cleaning ashfall

Although ashfall has already affected several areas in Cebu, authorities said residents should still minimize unnecessary exposure while cleaning ash from their surroundings.

Health officials advised the public to wear appropriate protective equipment, particularly properly fitted face masks, when cleaning volcanic ash around homes and other properties to reduce the risk of inhaling fine particles.

READ: Classes in Cebu suspended amid ashfall from Kanlaon eruption

Continue monitoring official advisories

Authorities continue to urge residents to monitor official advisories from the Department of Health, DENR-EMB, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), and their respective local government units as monitoring of Kanlaon Volcano continues.

They further reminded the public to continue observing health advisories and limit unnecessary exposure to volcanic ash while authorities assess the situation.

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