The increase in activity in the Volcano of Fire has put on alert to the Guatemalan authorities, which they have declared Orange alert in view of A possible significant danger for more than 30 thousand people who live in the vicinity of the colossus.
One of the main concerns about volcanic activity is ash broadcast, which could affect the health of residents in the nearby areas, compromising their airways.
It has been established that the volcano has issued ash rashes that have reached 7 thousand meters above sea level and that have dispersed up to about 50 kilometers in different directions from the point of emission, reaching densely populated communities.
The health authorities recommended to the inhabitants of departments such as Sacatepéquez, Escuintla and Chimaltenango take precautions to avoid health complications in the face of ash concentration in the air.
Esau Spain, a pneumologist and internist consulted by Free press, He commented that The effects of volcanic eruptions are mainly determined by two factors: ash emissions and toxic gases, components that can cause important damage to human health.
Spain details that volcanic ash is composed of extremely fine particles, with a dimension less than two millimeters or even two micrometers, which facilitates its deep income into the respiratory tract, reaching the terminal bronchioles and the alveoli, and thus affecting the respiratory system.
Ash can cause inflammation in the airways, Both superior and lower, as well as skin irritation (contact dermatitis) and eye injuries, such as abrasions in the conjunctiva or cornea, said the pneumologist.
Another risks that Spain emphasized is acid rain, which can originate when volcanic gases such as sulfur dioxide or carbon monoxide are mixed with water, sunlight or oxygen, affecting the skin, eyes and even the respiratory system.
Estuardo Rojas, an internist, explains that being in constant contact with ash, people can present cough, difficulty breathing, nasal and throat irritation, due to the obstructions that these particles cause on the airways.
These effects intensify in children and people suffering from bronchopulmonary diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In Guatemala, the latter is very frequent due to the use of co -firewood, which already generates previous pulmonary damage, Red specified.
Rojas agrees that the eyes can be one of the most affected organs, due to exposure, since heavy microparticles and metals present in ash can cause chemical conjunctivitis. He recommended not rubbing them with the fingers, but washing them with purified or boiled water.
People with pre -existing dermatological conditions or with skin allergies may present reactions to the contact of ash with the skin.
One of the risks that the doctor asked to consider is the affectation of the ash on water and crops, which represents an additional danger when ingesting contaminated food or drinks.
Vulnerable population
Doctors detail that people who live in areas near the volcano are the population mainly at risk, because in each volcanic activity the harmful gases are exposed to the lava or the harmful gases.
Rojas states that, although anyone can be affected, the most vulnerable are children living in those areas, since they have an immature respiratory system, as well as people with chronic respiratory diseases.
The most vulnerable people are those who live or work near the affected areas. In addition, children have an immature respiratory system and less ability to eliminate phlegm, which exposes them to infections, he said.
Spain explained that other vulnerable groups are adults over 65 and people with respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis or allergic rhinitis, because when inhaling volcanic ash particles they could see their health compromised.
Experts comment that older adults, due to the natural deterioration of the respiratory system, are compromised in the face of ash exposure, so they are more likely to present severe bronchospasms, breathing difficulty and a reduction in their oxygen levels, which may require urgent medical care.
Therefore, people with asthma, COPD or allergic rhinitis are more prone to complications during the emission of volcanic ash.
For his part, Óscar Sánchez, spokesman for volunteer firefighters, explained that within the communities close to the volcano, newborn children or people over 80 years are the most committed to the exposure to ash, as well as the personnel who carry out prevention and evacuation work in that area.
– The most recommended is the use of special, preferably industrial masks, which filter smaller particles. Traditional or surgical masks are not entirely effective, since many particles manage to cross them. It is also important to use ocular lenses or protectors and be careful with food or water, making sure they do not come from contaminated sources. To protect the skin, it is recommended to wear long -sleeved clothes and, if there was exposure, perform adequate washing.
People with long exposure, by maximum vulnerability
Doctors comment that people who live near volcanoes, mainly in their skirts, can develop diseases such as bronchitis or bronchospasm, acute inflammatory processes in the airways.
Being exposed to toxic ashes and gases has local effects on the respiratory system and can weaken the immune system, making people more prone to viral, bacterial or fungal infections, Spain emphasized.
Rojas indicated that it is important to know the duration of exposure to ash or volcanic gases, since if this is occasional, the body has mechanisms to reverse the damage. However, if the exposure is prolonged or frequent, as in the case of those who live or work near the volcano, the damage can become chronic and irreversible, seriously affecting the lungs.
Recommendations before exposure to ash
Doctors detail that, to prevent these conditions, it is recommended to use protective glasses and masks.
“After the Covid-19 pandemic, many people are already familiar with the use of masks, the most effective being the most effective to filter particles smaller than 2 microns. However, in the absence of these, surgical masks or scarves can be used, ”said Spain.
For its part, Rojas mainly recommended using industrial masks for those who live near these places or belong to primary response and relief bodies. Meanwhile, people living in surrounding areas where the volcano emits ash can use N95 masks as an alternative.
In addition to the use of masks and glasses, it is recommended to wear long -sleeved clothes, gloves and avoid outdoor exposure. For its part, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance recommended:
- Protect your eyes: wear glasses or glasses to avoid irritations
- Take care of your skin: Use cap or hat, and long sleeve clothes
- Use mask: especially if you suffer asthma, pneumonia or other respiratory diseases
- Protect water: it covers drinking water deposits and animal drinking fountains
- Avoid food pollution: Cover fruits and vegetables if they are outdoors
- Keep hygiene: Continue with the proper washing of fruits, vegetables and other foods
- Take care of your airways: Use adequate protection and avoid exposing yourself unnecessarily
- Clean safely: water the soil and surfaces before sweeping or cleaning to prevent the ash from lifting
- Protect your animals: protect them in a safe place with enough water and food
- Seal your home: Close doors and windows; Place a wet cloth in yields or air inputs
- Avoid the use of fans, as the particles disperse in the environment
- Have caution if you should leave: drives or walking carefully, since the surfaces can be slippery
- Avoid outdoor exposure, especially in children. Do not allow them to play in areas with ash