Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Can Ethiopia’s Volcanic Ash Make Delhi’s Toxic Air Worse For People With Respiratory Issues?

ethiopia volcanic ash delhi respiratory issue

Delhi NCR is already facing one of its toughest air-quality crises, and now another worry has emerged. Volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano has started drifting toward Indian skies. BBC reports that ash clouds from this rare eruption have reached Delhi, raising concerns about health risks in a city where clean air is already hard to come by due to rising pollution. As this volcanic ash moves closer, people fear it could worsen existing respiratory problems.

In Delhi, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) often falls in the “very poor” or “severe” range, even small increases in particulate matter can have serious health effects. Understanding what volcanic ash can do and taking the right precautions can help reduce its impact.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Ethiopian Volcanic Ash</span> Reaches Delhi</h2>

A volcano in northern Ethiopia erupted on Sunday for the first time in nearly 12,000 years. Winds blowing at 100–120 km/h carried ash plumes to several countries. The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted Sunday morning, and by late last night, ash clouds reached Delhi, which is already struggling with toxic air, causing some disruption to flights.

The ash plumes, rising thousands of feet into the atmosphere, first passed over Gujarat and then moved toward Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the ash clouds are drifting toward China and are expected to clear from Indian skies by 7:30 pm.

<h2>The Health Impact Of Volcanic Ash: What Science Says</h2>

Volcanic smog, also called “vog,” is generated whenever a volcano erupts. Global health bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have long studied its effects. Here’s what you need to know about how volcanic ash can impact health.

<h2>Respiratory Risks: Who’s Most Vulnerable</h2>

Volcanic ash is made of fine particles that can reach deep into the lungs. According to the US Geological Survey’s Impacts &amp; Mitigation guidelines, inhaling these particles can lead to:

<ul><li>Irritation of the nose, throat, and upper airways</li><li>Dry cough, sore throat, or chest discomfort</li><li>Bronchitis-like symptoms or wheezing in people with asthma or chronic bronchitis</li></ul>

Even healthy individuals may experience shortness of breath or discomfort after heavy exposure. For those with pre-existing lung conditions, the effects can be much more serious.

<h2>Ethiopia’s Volcanic Ash: What Is Delhi’s Situation?</h2>

IMD Director General M. Mohapatra stated that the plume is approaching Delhi NCR, but “any significant impact on ground-level pollution is unlikely” because most of the ash is high in the atmosphere. He added that the ash cloud may appear as a cloudy, hazy sky for a few hours as it moves eastwards.

Meteorologists and weather analysts have noted that the plume contains volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and tiny glass or rock particles. It is moving quickly, at around 100–200 km/h, according to reports.

<h2>Can Ethiopia’s Volcanic Ash Make Delhi <span rel="noindex">Respiratory Issues</span> More Dangerous?</h2>

Dr Aditya Nag, Assistant Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, NIIMS Medical College and Hospital, told us that even if most of the ash remains high in the sky, fine particles can settle on the ground and mix with Delhi’s already polluted air. Components like ash and sulphur dioxide can irritate the lungs, throat, and eyes.

Dr. Manav Manchanda, Director &amp; Head – Respiratory, Critical Care &amp; Sleep Medicine, Asian Hospital, told us that people most at risk include children, the elderly, and anyone with asthma or COPD. Volcanic ash can also pose environmental risks, such as reducing visibility or damaging engines.

“Abrasive particles in the volcanic ash can trigger bronchospasm in COPD and asthma patients, making their condition worse,” said Dr Aditya Nag.

Dr. Manav Manchanda,  advise the same safety measures that apply during high pollution days:

<ul><li>Wear N95 or N99 masks outdoors: These filter fine ash particles better than regular masks.</li><li>Limit outdoor activities during peak pollution: Avoid exercising in the morning or late evening.</li><li>Keep doors and windows closed: Use an air purifier to reduce indoor air contamination.</li><li>Stay hydrated: Drink warm water or herbal teas to help clear your lungs.</li><li>Steam inhalation: Regular steam can help remove small particles trapped in the nasal passages and airways.</li><li>Eat health-supportive foods: Include ginger, turmeric, tulsi, citrus fruits, and honey to support respiratory health.</li><li>Keep medicines handy: Asthma patients or those with chronic lung conditions should have doctor-prescribed medications ready.</li></ul>

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Delhi NCR is already facing one of its toughest air-quality crises, and now another worry has emerged. Volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano has started drifting toward Indian skies. BBC reports that ash clouds from this rare eruption have reached Delhi, raising concerns about health risks in a city where clean air is already hard to come by due to rising pollution. As this volcanic ash moves closer, people fear it could worsen existing respiratory problems.In Delhi, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) often falls in the “very poor” or “severe” range, even small increases in particulate matter can have serious health effects. Understanding what volcanic ash can do and taking the right precautions can help reduce its impact.Ethiopian Volcanic Ash Reaches DelhiA volcano in northern Ethiopia erupted on Sunday for the first time in nearly 12,000 years. Winds blowing at 100–120 km/h carried ash plumes to several countries. The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted Sunday morning, and by late last night, ash clouds reached Delhi, which is already struggling with toxic air, causing some disruption to flights.The ash plumes, rising thousands of feet into the atmosphere, first passed over Gujarat and then moved toward Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the ash clouds are drifting toward China and are expected to clear from Indian skies by 7:30 pm.The Health Impact Of Volcanic Ash: What Science SaysVolcanic smog, also called “vog,” is generated whenever a volcano erupts. Global health bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have long studied its effects. Here’s what you need to know about how volcanic ash can impact health.Respiratory Risks: Who’s Most VulnerableVolcanic ash is made of fine particles that can reach deep into the lungs. According to the US Geological Survey’s Impacts & Mitigation guidelines, inhaling these particles can lead to:Irritation of the nose, throat, and upper airwaysDry cough, sore throat, or chest discomfortBronchitis-like symptoms or wheezing in people with asthma or chronic bronchitisEven healthy individuals may experience shortness of breath or discomfort after heavy exposure. For those with pre-existing lung conditions, the effects can be much more serious.Ethiopia’s Volcanic Ash: What Is Delhi’s Situation?IMD Director General M. Mohapatra stated that the plume is approaching Delhi NCR, but “any significant impact on ground-level pollution is unlikely” because most of the ash is high in the atmosphere. He added that the ash cloud may appear as a cloudy, hazy sky for a few hours as it moves eastwards.Meteorologists and weather analysts have noted that the plume contains volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and tiny glass or rock particles. It is moving quickly, at around 100–200 km/h, according to reports.Can Ethiopia’s Volcanic Ash Make Delhi Respiratory Issues More Dangerous?Dr Aditya Nag, Assistant Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, NIIMS Medical College and Hospital, told us that even if most of the ash remains high in the sky, fine particles can settle on the ground and mix with Delhi’s already polluted air. Components like ash and sulphur dioxide can irritate the lungs, throat, and eyes.Dr. Manav Manchanda, Director & Head – Respiratory, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Asian Hospital, told us that people most at risk include children, the elderly, and anyone with asthma or COPD. Volcanic ash can also pose environmental risks, such as reducing visibility or damaging engines.“Abrasive particles in the volcanic ash can trigger bronchospasm in COPD and asthma patients, making their condition worse,” said Dr Aditya Nag.Precautions To Stay SafeDr. Manav Manchanda,  advise the same safety measures that apply during high pollution days:Wear N95 or N99 masks outdoors: These filter fine ash particles better than regular masks.Limit outdoor activities during peak pollution: Avoid exercising in the morning or late evening.Keep doors and windows closed: Use an air purifier to reduce indoor air contamination.Stay hydrated: Drink warm water or herbal teas to help clear your lungs.Steam inhalation: Regular steam can help remove small particles trapped in the nasal passages and airways.Eat health-supportive foods: Include ginger, turmeric, tulsi, citrus fruits, and honey to support respiratory health.Keep medicines handy: Asthma patients or those with chronic lung conditions should have doctor-prescribed medications ready.