Dokter: Waspadai dampak abu vulkanik meski erupsi telah usai
Wakil Ketua I PP PAPDI, Dr. Sukamto Koesnoe, mengingatkan bahwa dampak abu vulkanik terhadap kesehatan tetap berlanjut selama partikel masih menumpuk di lingkungan, karena partikel tajam dan halus (PM10 dan PM2.5) dapat terhirup ke saluran napas bawah serta alveolus. Risikonya meliputi gangguan pernapas, serangan pada penderita asma dan PPOK, iritasi mata dan kulit, gangguan pencernaan, hingga dampak kardiovaskular, sehingga disarankan memakai masker N95/KN95/FFP2 yang rapat, memperbarui vaksinasi influenza dan pneumokokus bagi pasien paru kronis serta lansia, serta segera ke fasilitas kesehatan jika gejala memburuk. Erupsi beberapa gunung api seperti Anak Krakatau, Ibu, Semeru, Lewotobi Laki-laki, Ili Lewotolok, dan Sinabung yang terjadi berdekatan belakangan ini meningkatkan kewaspadaan terhadap paparan abu vulkanik tersebut.
Poin-Poin Utama
- PAPDI's Vice Chair Dr. Sukamto Koesnoe warns volcanic ash health risks persist for days to weeks after eruption ends.
- Ash particles remain airborne via wind, vehicle traffic, and cleaning activities until cleared or washed away by rain.
- Volcanic ash differs from regular dust: sharp, angular particles containing silica including fine PM10 and PM2.5.
- Fine particles can reach lower respiratory tract and alveoli when inhaled.
- Common respiratory symptoms include nasal irritation, dry sore throat, dry cough, shortness of breath, and chest heaviness.
- Ash poses elevated risk for chronic disease patients: asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and allergic rhinitis.
- Exposure can trigger attacks or exacerbations in chronic respiratory patients.
- Mucosa irritation weakens local airway defenses, increasing acute respiratory infection risk.
- Chronic lung patients and elderly should update influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.
- Eye impacts range from irritation, redness, conjunctivitis, to corneal abrasions; contact lens users should temporarily switch to glasses.
- Skin exposure risks irritation, itching, dermatitis, especially when ash is acidic or mixes with sweat.
- Contaminated uncovered food and water can disrupt digestive system.
- PM2.5 particles pose cardiovascular risks and can worsen heart disease conditions.
- Silicosis is a long-term risk from repeated multi-year exposure; acute impacts above are more relevant to general public now.
- Recommended masks: N95, KN95, or FFP2 with tight seal around nose and cheeks; seal tightness matters as much as filter material.
Hak cipta dan publikasi utuh dimiliki oleh Antara News.