As the Soufriere volcano continues to spit out its ashes, the possibility of being impacted by the fallout is growing in Martinique.
Faced with this risk, the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Martinique and the Institut Physique du Globe de Paris (OVSM-IPGP) have published an informative guide on the potential effects of volcanic ash on health and the measures to be followed in order to protect yourself from it.
The effects of volcanic ash
Volcanic ash can cause respiratory discomfort, eye symptoms and skin irritation.
Respiratory consequences
According to OVSM-IPGP, ash particles are so fine that they can penetrate deep into the lungs.
Even for a healthy person, inhaling the ashes can cause respiratory discomfort, resulting in increased coughing.
The main symptoms due to exposure to volcanic ash are:
– irritation and runny nose,
– irritation and sore throat, accompanied by a dry cough.
According to the guide published by the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Martinique, the effects on people already suffering from pulmonary disorders may be aggravated.
These people could develop symptoms of severe bronchitis which may last beyond exposure to ash, for example a dry cough, sputum production, loud breathing, shortness of breath, respiratory tract irritation for people with asthma or with asthma. bronchitis; people with asthma often complain of shortness of breath, noisy breathing, coughing, breathing becomes awkward, uncomfortable.
Ocular consequences
Eye irritation is one of the consequences of the fallout of volcanic particles. They can “cause painful scratches on the front of the eye (abrasion of the cornea) and conjunctivitis ”. People who wear contact lenses should avoid putting them on “In order to prevent any abrasion of the cornea from developing”.
Skin consequences
Volcanic ash can, in rare cases,“cause skin irritation in some people, especially if the ashes are acidic“.
Ashes can also have indirect consequences
According to the guide published by the Martinique Volcanological and Seismological Observatory, “falling ash can contaminate water and clog or even damage water supply systems.
Small, unprotected water supplies such as domestic reservoirs with a gutter on the roof are particularly vulnerable to volcanic ash. ” A small amount of ash can make the water unsuitable for drinking.
How to prevent health risks?
In order to minimize the health effects of ash, it is necessary to protect the pulmonary tract and the eyes.
For this it is necessary to keep all the doors and windows closed as far as possible, ensure to clean the ashes by wearing a dust mask, wear protective glasses “goggles or corrective glasses”, Reduce its outings and particularly physical activities outdoors.
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