Haze, ashfall alert extended

The volcanic haze and ash alert issued for Saipan and Tinian Saturday was extended until today, according to the Emergency Management Office, saying that north winds expected until this morning will continue to bring suspended volcanic dust and possible sulfur from the volcano on Anatahan.

EMO said the volcanic particles, brought to the southern islands of the Commonwealth because of a change in wind direction brought by Tropical Storm Kulap, may appear like a thin haze or mist over the sky and can cause breathing difficulties.

The agency urges the public to report information to its office if volcanic particles are visible or if odor is detectable.

High levels of ash in the air are not expected to cause significant health effects for Commonwealth residents; however, if ashfall does become heavy, air quality can be adversely affected.

Residents may notice a change of air quality over the next two day. As of this date, though, there is no significant increase of patients with respiratory problems at the CHC.

The Department of Public Health is reminding the public of a few precautions to take to protect them from the effects of the ash.

DPH Secretary Dr. James U. Hofschneider recommended that individuals with serious lung problems, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor air exposure or exertion during the time when ash is present in the air.

He indicated that the Commonwealth Health Center is ready for any additional need for emergency assistance that might be required due to the ashfall.

The DPH and EMO said they will work closely to monitor this potential health hazard and will provide updates if any change in the level of hazard is expected. For more information, contact CHC at 234-8950, Tinian Health Center at 433-9333/9263/9233, and Rota Health Center at 532-9461/2/3.

The public is also cautioned to protect the water supply from being contaminated, indicating that although health effects from ash mixing onto water are very rare, there is a possibility that water may become highly acidic or contain too much fluoride.

“All residents are encouraged to consume only bottled water until their alternate source of drinking water has been flushed and cleared of all volcanic debris,” a part of the advisory read.

If water is contaminated or has an acidic taste or smell, residents are cautioned not to drink the water. They are also advised not to drink water collected from rainfall.

Water tanks should be closed and covered and roof collections systems should be turned off.

To purify water, 10 drops of chlorine bleach must be added to one gallon of water, DPH said, and let the mixture stand for 30 minutes. The water may also be boiled for five minutes.

Affected water, however, is safe for cleaning vegetables and fruits, washing clothes, taking showers, and flushing toilets. Extra detergent is recommended when washing clothes.

Individuals are also advised to their cover mouths and nose when outside and use goggles to protect the eyes. Skin should also be covered to avoid irritation from contact with the ash.

Individuals are also urged to avoid driving in heavy ashfall. “Driving will stir up more ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles,” the DPH said.

Meanwhile, no threat of significant vog—volcanic smog—or acid precipitation is expected from the eruption.

Health complaints related to vog include headaches, breathing difficulties, increased susceptibility to respiratory ailments, watery eyes, sore throat, flu-like symptoms, and a general lack of energy.

Volcanic smog poses a health hazard by aggravating preexisting respiratory ailments.