Tips to protect yourself from volcanic ash

The Palma Volcano currently maintains at least four emitting centers and the lava flows into two castings. While magma has reduced its speed, the ash rain is

Tips to protect yourself from volcanic ash

The Palma Volcano currently maintains at least four emitting centers and the lava flows into two castings. While magma has reduced its speed, the ash rain is still intense. The International Volcanic Health Risk Network (IVHHN), the United States Geological Service (USGS), the Cities and Volcanoes Commission (CAV), and the New Zealand Geology and Geology and Science Institute (GNS) has developed a guide to promote the safety of people exposed to these ashes with advice and recommendations.

Volcanic ash is composed of fine fragmented volcanic rock particles (less than 2 mm in diameter). This ash is usually hot in the vicinity of the volcano, but it is cooled when it falls to greater distance. It is formed during volcanic explosions from hot rock avalanches that go down the slopes of volcanoes, or from incandescent liquid lava splashes. The ashes vary in appearance, depending on the type of volcano and the form of eruption.

They can carry respiratory, eye or skin problems, as well as indirect sequels.

Immediately after a rain of ash, even though it has been light, the conditions for driving, visibility and air quality can be dramatically affected, so it is recommended to avoid travel. It is also advisable to keep closed doors and windows, as well as using masks and protective goggles. "The greater the filter of these masks, better," underlines Lmartínez. If they are available, it would be preferable to use a FFP2 type before a surgical or hygienic mask, points. The filtering of the FFP2 is greater and the risk of larger particles is reduced. The vegetables that have been covered by ash in the field, can be ingested without danger once washed with clean water.

When volcanic ash fall, the experts recommend not to be scared; Stay covered or look for shelter if it is outdoors; use mask, handkerchief or rag on the nose and mouth; Return home if the alarm is given before the rain of ashes; be under ceiling when it starts to fall ash; Do not saturate telephone lines with non-urgent calls; Find out on the radio on eruption and cleaning plans, and do not use contact lenses to avoid abrasion in the cornea. If there are ashes in the water, the advice is to let them deposit and then use the water once clear. In the case of a lot of ash in the water supply, do not use the dishwasher or the washing machine.

Those who carry out cleaning operations should always carry effective anti-dust protective masks. In media where there are fine ashes, protective goggles or glasses see instead of contact lenses should be carried to protect themselves from eye irritation. Ash tanks should be sprayed with water before using the blades to remove them, taking care not to overcome those that are on roofs, as this would cause an excess weight and danger of collapse of the roof. Dry brushing can produce a high level of exposure and should be avoided. Precautions and ceilings must be extreme: the ashes cause the soil to be much more slippery

Date Of Update: 26 September 2021, 08:12