The public is warned against the possible formation of volcanic smog or “vog” over the Taal Caldera in Batangas due to continued volcanic sulfur dioxide gas emission from the main crater of Taal Volcano in the past two days.
“Should sulfur dioxide gas emission continue at the same rate (past week average of -4,330 tons/day) or increase and atmospheric condition promote the formation of vog, communities surrounding Taal Lake are advised to take necessary precautions,” the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in its advisory.
According to Phivolcs, vog is a type of air pollution that is caused by volcanoes, consisting of fine droplets of volcanic gas such as sulfur dioxide.
As it is acidic, vog can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract in severities depending on the gas concentrations and duration of exposure.
“People, particularly sensitive to such ill effects, are those with health conditions, such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children. If vog occurs and exposure cannot be avoided, please be mindful,” Phivolcs said.
The state agency said wearing an N95 face mask is ideal as well as drinking plenty of water to reduce any throat irritation or constriction.
Level 2 (increased unrest) prevails over Taal Volcano, which means the threat of sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around Taal Volcano Island.