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When a volcano breaks out and spews lava, ash and smoke, the legacy can survive for days, weeks or even longer in nearby and distant environments.
In order to protect yourself from volcanic ash, you should know the definition of volcanic ash, the health hazards caused by the drop in volcanic ash, and the key points for the preparation of volcanic ash, such as the specific recommendation of dust masks.
The following information can help people in Iceland, the UK, the Pacific Northwest, Ecuador, and other regions that feel the effects of these special volcanoes learn to take the necessary precautions to prevent and protect themselves from falling ash.
What is volcanic ash?
When a volcano breaks out, Ash is released into the atmosphere along with lava and smoke.
It is particles or fine dust made of abrasive, corrosive glass and rock, with a diameter of less than 2mm per particle.
When Ash is thick in the atmosphere, the sky darkens and causes lightning storms.
The edge of the ash is small and sharp, and when inhaled into the lungs, it has similar physical effects to asbestos, which is a health hazard.
However, Ash is not all dangerous.
Volcanic ash is not only a natural disaster, but also enriches the soil in the surrounding areas, making it very fertile.
The impact of volcanic ash on the environment: when a volcano breaks out and emits ash, it can spread hundreds or even thousands of miles.
Everything is on its land
Cars, houses, ground, people. . .
And lakes, in which the acid layer on the ash can dissolve and pollute the water supply.
The ash that falls on the road may hinder traffic.
Ashfall can cause power outages, roof collapse, communication disruption, and animal poisoning that grazes on Ashcoated grasses.
Different types of volcanoes: Hawaii and the Philippines
Some of Alaska and Iceland's volcanoes, such as those near Iceland's eyafarajor glacier. St. Helens, and Mt.
When volcanic ash erupts, a large amount of volcanic ash will burst out.
Why, however, do volcanoes in places like Hawaii and the Philippines not produce so much ash?
The reason is related to the location of the volcano.
Volcanoes and hot spots--
It is the place where magma rises to the surface, such as the Hawaiian Islands, the Philippines and the Yellowstone National Park.
Located in two different types of places, the ocean plate and the continental plate.
Hawaii and the Philippines are on the ocean plate, while Yellowstone is on the continental plate.
Volcanoes located in the ocean erupt on the Earth's ocean crust, while volcanoes located on thicker, silica-
The rich continental crust accumulates more steam and takes more lava and rocks away when they erupt. . .
And dangerous ash.
The health hazard of volcanic ash is real, though usually temporary.
Volcanic ash during breathing stimulates the eyes and breathing passages.
You may have dry cough, runny nose, breathing, or bronchitisup.
Your eyes may feel angry or sensitive, or swollen or torn.
If you breathe ultra-fine volcanic ash containing silica for years, your continued exposure may lead to lung disease.
This is relatively rare;
Usually, the time a person is exposed to fine ash does not last too long and does not repeat.
However, your risk may be greater if you have chronic lung health problems.
Prepare ash fall take these ash fall preparation measures to prevent or minimize damage caused by the expected ash fall: Prepare an emergency preparedness kit in advance.
The dust cover is an important emergency material.
The following are IVHHN's suggestions on the specifications for the use of the appropriate dust cover (PDF).
When choosing a dust cover, be sure to make sure the mask 1)
Can protect you from fine ash particles
Suitable for your face, 3)
Use according to direction.
Protect your property.
Seal all doors and windows with tape or wet towels.
All mechanical and electronic devices are closed and covered.
Remove the downpipe from the sink.
Protect your loved ones
Keep anyone with chronic respiratory problems in there.
Make sure your kids know what to do, wherever they are ---
Consult their school about their emergency preparedness plan.
Volcanic ash precautions keep children and pets away from the dusty areas of volcanic ash.
In order to protect your car, pedestrians, other drivers and environment, try not to drive on gray-coated roads.
Avoid hanging up your phone line when the ash drops.
After the ash falls, be careful when stirring any ash, even the ash from a few years ago.
Do not sweep or dry the ash.
It can cause more danger.
Follow the prescribed cleaning guidelines to help you clean up ash safely.
If there is an ash fall warning, please protect yourself and your property in an emergency, leave work and go home.
Stay inside or seek shelter when you hear the eruption.
Avoid driving.
Make sure your car has air filters if you have to drive (
Even dirty)
, Drive carefully and leave enough clearance between your car and the car in front and back.
Protect your lungs and eyes.
Wear a mask even inside.
If you don't have a mask, filter out the ash particles with a cloth. Wear goggles.
If you wear contact lenses, please remove them and use them instead.
Turn on the radio to keep up with any urgent updates and cleaning-up plans. (
You should have a battery.
Operate the radio on site as part of the emergency preparedness kit. )
Be careful during and after the ash fall.
Pour the drinking water into the container, let it precipitate, and use clean water for drinking and cleaning.
If the taste is not good, don't drink it.
Avoid using any equipment with ash, such as a dishwasherfilled water.
Ash can cause damage to the surface.
Clean up Ash only according to the suggested method of ash cleaning and disposal.
Hand first aid something on kitDust masksEye protection (goggles)3-
Emergency supply of drinking water 3-
Emergency food supply (non-perishable)
Extra clothes and warm clothes
Operate a radio communication flashlight or torch medical extra battery plastic package or garbage bag to seal the cash indoor activity resources for sensitive electronic equipment in the volcano and ashfall area.
This is their page on what to do in ashfall.
View health consultation and ash fall preparation information provided by IVHHM (
International Network of Volcanic Health hazards)
For information on World volcanoes, see the Smithsonian Institution or the global volcanic activity program at the University of Michigan Tech (MTU)volcanoes page.