Volcanic activity - HE2911

Public Health Information Sheet

Volcanic ash, gases and fine particles in the air after an eruption can cause eye, skin and breathing problems for people nearby. Ash can be blown by wind impacting people hundreds of kilometres away.

Key information

Volcanic ash is the most likely health hazard for most people as it can travel by wind for long distances.

Those close to an erupting volcano are also at risk from gases and volcanic smog (VOG) so take extra care when going outside to wear a mask, goggles and long clothing.

Volcanic ash or gases require people to stay indoors. Keep taking your medication if you have asthma or other respiratory or heart conditions.

Check on your neighbours and listen to your local radio station for Civil Defence advice.

Watch out for symptoms

Volcanic ash, gas and VOG (volcanic smog containing hazards like sulphur dioxide) can cause a range of symptoms:

• Runny nose.
• Sore throat, sometimes accompanied by dry coughing.
• Airway irritation.
• Uncomfortable breathing, shortness of breath and wheezing.
• Itchy, painful or bloodshot eyes.
• Irritation and reddening of the skin.

People at increased risk

Those most at risk include:

• People with asthma.
• Children and babies.
• People with chronic breathing (respiratory) or heart (cardiac) conditions.

Reduce your exposure to ash, gases and chemicals in the air by staying indoors. If you have asthma, gases and ash may worsen your symptoms. Take your prevention medication regularly and keep reliever medication with you.

Keeping safe from volcanic ash

Advice on what to do before, during and after ashfall is on Volcanic activity — Get Ready (NZ Civil Defence) — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand

Before ash falls

• Listen to your local radio station and follow Civil Defence instructions.
• Have cover-up clothing, a fitted N95 or P2 mask, if possible, gloves and goggles without side vents.
• Save water in a bathtub or containers as it may become contaminated, or the water supply might be cut off.
• If you collect rainwater, disconnect your downpipes.
• Close windows and doors and seal any gaps with damp towels or tape.

When ash falls

• Go home if possible and avoid driving or walking.
  Stay inside, especially children as masks don’t fit them well enough.
• Keep pets inside until ash is washed away. Brush them before they come in if they do go outside.
• Set up a single-entry point for your house. Place damp towels at the door to prevent ash being tracked indoors.
• Shut off any air conditioning or ventilation units and don’t use dryers or exhaust fans.
• Wear glasses, not contact lenses as trapped ash can scratch your eyes.
• If you go outside, wear cover-up clothing, gloves, a fitted P2 or N95 mask (or surgical mask) and goggles. Remove outdoor clothing outside.
• Wash off any ash on your skin.
• Wash homegrown fruit and vegetables.
  Avoid eating ash.
• Water restrictions are likely after ash fall. Saving water and keeping healthy has advice on how to use limited water for health and hygiene.
• Listen to your local radio station and follow Civil Defence instructions.

Cleaning up

Please check Volcanic activity — Get Ready (NZ Civil Defence) — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand for instructions on cleaning up ash.

It is important to clean up ash properly as it is a health hazard and can cause damage to buildings and machinery.

• You’ll need to protect your skin with clothing that covers your whole body, sturdy footwear, gloves, goggles and a fitted P2 or N95 mask.
• Vacuum ash up inside and wipe surfaces with damp cloth.
• Moisten ash before cleaning it up outside.
• Only connect your roof tank to the downpipe once rain has washed all ash from the roof or you have cleaned it.

For more information

• Volcanic ash risks and impact areas Ash - Earth Sciences New Zealand | GNS Science | Te Pῡ Ao
• Fitting a N95 or P2 mask correctly and protecting yourself from ash, gas and VOG Protection from breathing ash | IVHHN International Volcanic Health Hazard Network 
• Water shortages and boil water notices How to make water safe to drink under a boil water notice | Taumata Arowai
• Dealing with health risks from ash – Keeping safe from volcanic emissions – Keeping safe from volcanic emissions Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
• Restoring your property after fire or ash Restoring your property | Fire and Emergency New Zealand
• If you are feeling stressed or anxious you can text or phone 1737, need to talk? any time to speak to a trained counsellor for free.