Understanding the health hazards of volcanic ashfall

Mount Kanlaon, one of the 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines erupted and spewed a  voluminous ash column up to 3,000 meters on December 09. The second eruption of  Kanlaon this year, the volcano in Negros released 4,638 tons of sulfur dioxide prior to its  eruption. 

Sitting on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” The Philippines is no stranger to volcanic activity. Another active volcano, the Taal volcano has recorded at least 38 eruptions in the last  450 years. The 2020 major eruption of Taal volcano blasted heavy ashfall into the air,  which reportedly reached as far as Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon. The  Department of Health has continuously warned the public about the health risks that are  associated with ashfall.