FAQs on Volcanic Ash

Properties of Volcanic Ash

1. What are the physical / chemical properties of volcanic ash? Are mercury, fluoride or any
other heavy metals released into the environment during a volcanic eruption? If so, do
they pose any health concerns?

Volcanic ash particles are pieces of pulverised rock like sand or rock dust made of silica with
some amounts of potassium, aluminium and iron. Trace quantities of other metals may also
be present but these are not high enough to pose any health problems. NEA will monitor the
situation and provide advisories if there is a need.

2. How long and how severe will the volcanic ash incident be?

The severity and duration of the volcanic ash incident is dependent on several factors such
as proximity and intensity of the volcanic eruption and meteorological parameters such as
wind speed and direction, and intensity of rainfall. NEA will monitor the situation closely and
provide regular updates on the volcanic ash situation and provide health advisories should
the situation warrant it.

Health Concerns of Volcanic Ash

3. What are the possible health effects resulting from exposure to volcanic ash?

Volcanic ash particles that are 10 micrometres or smaller (in the PM10 range) can pass
through the nose and throat, and get into the lungs. Particles larger than 10 micrometres do
not usually reach the lungs, but they can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.

Short term exposure (hours to days) to high levels of volcanic ash can lead to acute
respiratory symptoms, irritation of eyes (contact lens users are at risk) and skin, and
worsening of condition in people with pre-existing heart or lung problems.

The severity of these problems depends on the concentration of ash and the duration of
exposure to ash. However, the amount of ash that may reach Singapore is likely to be small
and the duration of exposure relatively short.

4. Which group of people are more susceptible to volcanic ash?

People with pre-existing respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and
asthma should take special precaution to avoid unnecessary exposure to ash particles.
Individuals are advised to consult their doctor should they develop breathing difficulties.
Contact lens users may wish to avoid their use as fine ash may get under the lens.
5. What are some of the measures I can take to protect myself from the volcanic ash?

When there are high levels of volcanic ash particles in the PM10 range, exposure can be
minimised by reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion.

6. Is it safe to carry on with my daily outdoor activities as usual if we are affected by volcanic
ash?

In most cases, it is still safe to carry on with the outdoor activities. However, NEA will issue
health advisories based on PSI if the air quality is adversely affected.

7. What should I do if I have skin irritation or breathing difficulties?

You should wash ash off your skin and out of your eyes. See a doctor if the irritation persists.
You should also see a doctor immediately if you develop breathing difficulties.

8. Will I need to wear masks?

As the amount of ash that may reach Singapore due to volcanic activity is likely to be small
and not enough to cause serious harm, the use of masks are not necessary. Please see the
answer to FAQ #5 on MOH's FAQ for the measures that one can take for protection from the
volcanic ash.

9. Will there be an index, similar to PSI in a haze situation, to inform us about the
concentration of volcanic ash in the air?

The PSI adopted by Singapore would also apply for a volcanic ash incident. If Singapore is
affected by volcanic ash, NEA will issue health advisories based on PSI.

For more information on health impact of volcanic ash, please visit MOH's FAQ here.

Environmental Concerns of Volcanic Ash

10. Could volcanic ash particles damage vegetation?

This depends on the severity and duration of ash fall, and the subsequent rainfall. In
Singapore, which is far from active volcanoes, the impact of volcanic ash particles on plants
is likely to be minimal if it is limited to a thin layer of ash fall. For example, there could be
some loss of foliage due to a reduction in the absorption of sunlight, decreasing the rate of
photosynthesis and reducing plant growth until the ash has been washed away by rain.

11. Does volcanic ash affect building structure and sculptures?

Due to the slight acidic nature of volcanic ash, corrosion could possibly set in at the roof of
the building made of iron and coated with nickel within months upon contact. The acidic
nature of volcanic ash may also affect buildings structures and sculptures if these were made
of materials affected by acidic substances. However, considering the amount of rainfall
Singapore receives, it is unlikely that ash particles would stay on surfaces for prolonged
periods.

Food Safety and Water Supplies Concerns

12. Does volcanic ash have an impact on local water supplies?

Volcanic ash may potentially cause water in the reservoirs to be more acidic and turbid.
However, PUB has in place a robust water treatment process to treat the water and remove
the volcanic ash particles.

NEWater production would also not be affected as the ash particles can be removed by the
membranes used in NEWater production. More information can be found here.

13. Are food supplies such as locally grown vegetable and poultry safe for consumption during
volcanic ash incident?

The potential health risk posed by volcanic ash incident on local food supplies, e.g. locally
grown vegetables, eggs and fish, is negligible.

If the weather conditions favour the drifting of volcano clouds towards Singapore, there may
be a possibility that low levels of volcano ash may eventually deposit onto the surface of
locally grown vegetables and on the water surface, thereby potentially altering the acidity of
water if the amount is significant.

However, the thin layer of volcano ash on the vegetable surfaces can be readily removed by
normal washing process prior to consumption. For land-based fish farms, the change in
water pH can be mitigated since farmers do monitor and adjust pH accordingly as part of
their water quality management. For coastal fish farms, it is unlikely to have an impact given
the large water body.

The chicken layer farms in Singapore are all operated under enclosed housing. The chickens
on the farms are at very low risk of being exposed to contamination from volcano ash.

Impact of Volcanic Ash on Indoor Air Quality

14. Does volcanic ash have an impact on indoor air quality?

Volcanic ash may potentially affect indoor air quality. Critical operations which require clean
air (such as wafer fabrication plants, critical computer systems, etc) may also be affected
during a volcanic ash incident. Companies with critical operations that are sensitive to
dust/ash should plan for protective measures, such as frequent replacement of filters, in the
event of a volcanic ash incident.

Clean-Up of Volcanic Ash

15. What should I do if my garden, terrace, roof, outdoor furniture, car, etc, are covered with
volcanic ash?

You are advised to clean the affected surface by vacuuming or sweeping to avoid re-
suspending the ash particles by wetting the ash with small amount of water. Please take
precautions not to inhale the ash particles. If you must wipe any ash, do so gently as volcanic
ash is abrasive.

Do not use water to hose down the ash particles on roads and pathways into drains as this
may cause clogging of drains.
 The public may contact the National Environment Agency, Department of Public Cleanliness
Hotline at 1800-600-3333 for advice on clean-up of volcanic ash.

16. What is the proper method to dispose volcanic ash?

For trade and domestic premises which are served by Public Waste Collectors (PWCs), the
collected ash can be disposed of together with general waste for collection by the PWCs. For
industrial and commercial premises which are served by General Waste Collectors, the
collected ash can be disposed of together with non-incinerable waste for disposal at
Semakau Landfill. The collected ash is to be properly bagged for disposal.

17. What kind of personal protective equipment (PPE) do I need if I am involved in clean-up
operations?

Workers involved in clean-up operations are typically exposed to higher concentrations of

airborne ash particles, and they should be supplied with appropriate personal protection
equipment to reduce the potential for adverse health effects. Such equipment can include
eye protection, filter masks (N95 or one with high filtration efficiency) or, respirators (with
appropriate filtration efficiency), overalls, hats or helmets, gloves, and extra lighting.