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Volcanoes
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Disasters

Volcanoes

A volcano is a vent in the Earth's crust that releases hot rock, steam, gases, and ash, potentially causing widespread environmental hazards.

Overview

A volcano is a vent in the Earth's crust. When a volcano erupts, hot rock, steam, poisonous gases, and ash reach the Earth's surface. An eruption can also cause several secondary hazards, including:

  • Earthquakes
  • Mudflows and flash floods
  • Rock falls and landslides
  • Acid rain
  • Fires
  • Tsunamis

Health Risks

Volcanic gas and ash can damage the lungs of small infants, older adults, and people with severe respiratory illnesses. Notably, volcanic ash can affect people hundreds of miles away from the eruption site.

Preparedness and Coping

While there are no guarantees of safety during a volcanic eruption, having a disaster plan can help reduce fear, anxiety, and losses. If you experience a disaster, it is normal to feel stressed and you may need help in finding ways to cope.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

Frequently Asked Questions

Volcanic ash is abrasive and coated with acidic compounds, frequently causing scratchy irritation, conjunctivitis, and corneal abrasions. People in affected areas should remove contact lenses immediately and wear eyeglasses or tight-fitting protective goggles. If ash gets into the eyes, flush thoroughly with sterile saline or clean water rather than rubbing. Wash exposed skin with mild soap and clean water to avoid contact dermatitis.
Standard cloth and surgical masks offer minimal protection against fine volcanic ash particles. The CDC and occupational health authorities recommend using a well-fitted N95 or P100 particulate respirator approved by NIOSH. A proper facial seal is essential to prevent inhaling microscopic, abrasive silica particles, which can trigger severe bronchospasm in individuals with asthma, COPD, or other underlying chronic lung conditions.
shfall can contaminate open water reservoirs, private wells, and rainwater catchment systems with acidic minerals, heavy metals, and high turbidity. Rely on sealed bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth until local authorities confirm the municipal supply meets safety standards. Boiling water kills biological pathogens but does not remove chemical contaminants or heavy metals from volcanic ash.
Patients with chronic respiratory conditions should stay indoors, seal doors and windows with damp towels, and run a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner. Keep at least a two-week supply of maintenance and quick-relief rescue inhalers on hand. If you experience severe wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath that fails to respond to prescribed rescue medication, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency facility immediately.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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