Effects of Breathing in Volcanic Ash
People exposed to ash fall and subsequent ash-filled air commonly experience various eye, nose, and throat symptoms. Based on historical eruptions, short-term exposures to ash, however, are not known to pose a significant health hazard. Long-term health effects of volcanic ash have not yet been demonstrated.
People should avoid unnecessary exposure to ash and wear an effective face mask when outside to reduce inhalation of ash particles. Patients with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma should take special precaution to avoid exposure to ash particles and be aware that the use of any respirator other than single-use (disposable) respirator may cause additional cardio-pulmonary stress.
Exposure to respirable-sized free crystalline silica from most ash falls are typically of short duration (days to weeks), and data suggests that the recommended respirable exposure limit of 50 micrograms/m3 of air can be exceeded for short periods of times for the general population.
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