Source: Facebook, NDRMMC
Taal folk told to stay indoors, avoid vog
THE Department of Health – CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) warned residents, especially those living in communities near the vicinity of the Taal Volcano, to stay indoors as it continues to spew high levels of sulfur dioxide causing hazardous volcanic smog or “vog.”
Dr. Eduardo C. Janairo, DOH regional director, stressed that this type of air pollution can cause eye, throat and respiratory irritation. It can also aggravate health problems.
“It is best to stay at home and limit exposure outside as much as possible to reduce contact with the smog. This type of air pollution can cause eye, throat and respiratory irritation. It can also aggravate health problems lalo na sa mga mayroong asthma, emphysema at chronic bronchitis,” Janairo said.
“Siguruhin din nating nakasara ang ating mga pintuan at bintana upang hindi makakapasok ang smog sa loob ng bahay. Wear facemask and sunglasses when going out as added protection. At huwag kalilimutang magdala at uminom ng tubig. It is important to always hydrate yourself to reduce throat irritation,” he added.
Janairo also advised residents to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing physical complaints associated with vog exposure which includes headaches, breathing difficulties, watery eyes and flu-like symptoms.
According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, “vog” is atype of air pollution caused by volcanoes, consisting of fine droplets containing volcanic gas, such as sulfur dioxide, which is acidic and can cause irritation to the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract in severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure.
In a Phivolcs bulletin at, alert Level 2 is still in effect, where sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can be expected occur that can threaten communities within and around the Taal volcano.
The sulfur dioxide levels in some areas of Luzon are presently elevated due to the activity of two volcanoes, particularly Taal Volcano and a submarine volcano in Fukutoku-Okanoba in Japan which recently spewed high levels of SO2 which enhanced the present hazy conditions.
