DOH issues advisories on Taal Volcano sulfur dioxide emissions, ashfall

The Health Department issued public health advisories on sulfur dioxide emissions and ashfall from Taal Volcano, which was placed under an Alert Level 3 after a "short-lived phreatomagmatic burst."

According to the DOH, sulfur dioxide was a colorless toxic gas that can harm the respiratory system and make breathing difficult.

A person may be exposed to sulfur dioxide by either breathing it in or through skin contact.

Affected residents were thus advised to:

• avoid unnecessary trips out of the house
• close doors and windows, most especially if you are living near the Taal Volcano caldera, and
• always wear a facemask, protective gear for the eyes, and coverings for the skin.

In case you are exposed to sulfur dioxide, the DOH urged that you contact the following poison control centers or hospitals:

Ashfall, evcuations

The DOH also warned locals of the effects of Taal's ashfall.

Falling ash may cause health problems, and anyone suffering from bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma should avoid exposure to volcanic ash.

Meanwhile, those in high-risk areas or who are likely to be evacuated should prepare go-bags or an emergency balde (pail).

The DOH provided a list of the items that need to go into go bags and e-baldes.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised Taal Volcano's alert status to Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) after a  7:22 a.m. "short-lived phreatomagmatic burst" was observed at the volcano.

On its website, PHIVOLCS explained that an Alert Level 3 meant that "magma is near or at the surface, and activity could lead to a hazardous eruption in weeks. Danger zones may be expanded up to eight (8) kilometers from the active crater." — Richa Noriega/DVM, GMA News