Mask Up: How to Protect Yourself from Taal’s Volcanic Smog

If you’ve noticed a haze in the atmosphere since yesterday, it’s not the usual city smog or the recent “thermal inversion.” The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a warning late Thursday that “volcanic smog or vog has been detected over Taal Lake” and has affected nearby cities. Prolonged exposure to this low air quality can have negative effects on your health. So, what should you know about vog?

Phivolcs warn of volcanic smog over Taal Lake

Since 12:30 PM on Thursday, scientists have been observing the “continuous upwelling” of vog at the Taal Main Crater Lake. It has generated steam plumes up to 2,400 meters, scattering west-southwest due to the wind. They also reported that the main crater has emitted 4,569 tonnes of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and a large cloud of SO2 was spotted over Taal Lake.

In response to the low-quality air, local government units in parts of NCR, Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna have suspended their classes.

At the moment, Phivolcs is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity which is currently in Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest.

What are volcanic smog side effects?

Volcanic smog, or vog, contains sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gas. This is an acidic gas, and can trigger:

• irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat
• headaches
• watery eyes
• sore throat
• flu-like symptoms
• lack of energy
• breathing difficulties
• other respiratory ailments

Phivolcs has warned that those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease, and heart disease — as well as the elderly, pregnant women, and children — might be particularly sensitive to vog.

Vog also has corrosive properties that can create acid rain, which can damage roofing and plumbing materials, potentially leading to leached lead. This can contaminate water as well.

Volcanic smog can also be a driving hazard, as it reduces visibility.

Night view of metro manila
Clear Taal SMOG pic.twitter.com/Kpkk8xMSs2

— BLACK- R0w ZES (@bluementweet) September 21, 2023

How to protect yourself from volcanic smog

To all of my friends and all Anchors living in Batangas, Tagaytay, Laguna, Cavite and nearby cities, please take care and never go out without wearing facemask due to Taal Volcanic Smog (VOG). Be alert and don’t let the smog get inside you. Close your windows too and refrain from… pic.twitter.com/xLcqWKnWm9

— CHAHlee 🫶🏼💙✨⚓️ (@ChahleeH7ON) September 21, 2023

Here are some quick tips to protect yourself from volcanic smog:

1. Stay indoors, if possible

Make sure to avoid outdoor activities while there’s still a visible, heavy haze. Stay indoors as much as possible and shut doors and windows to limit your exposure to vog.

2. Mask up

When going out, mask up with an N95 facemask to protect yourself from inhaling the vog.

3. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water to avoid and reduce any throat irritation.

4. Monitor your health closely

If you experience serious side effects from the vog, seek professional help immediately.

Stay safe!

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