Volcanic Ashfall Information
DEC urges the public to exercise caution in the event of an ashfall.
Volcanic ash is made of small abrasive particles that pose several health concerns. Exposure to ash can lead to irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. While short-term exposure to ash is not known to pose a significant health hazard to healthy individuals, it may cause sensitive individuals such as infants, children, and the elderly to experience difficulty breathing. Individuals with respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma are more at risk for developing acute respiratory symptoms from breathing volcanic ash.
Contact your health care provider if you have any concerns about your symptoms.
Simple yet effective precautions to protect your health include staying indoors, wearing long sleeves, breathing through a dust mask or wetted cloth, removing contact lenses, and wearing eye protection.
Volcanic Activity Information
- Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO):
- Current Restless Volcanoes
- Daily Status Report
- Map & List of Alaska's Volcanoes
- National Weather Service SIGMET
Current Air Quality
Health and Safety
- Alaska Department of Health and Social Services - Volcano Eruptions - Health Effects
- Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management - Volcano Mitigation
- Volcanic Ash Impacts & Mitigation (US Geological Survey)
- Volcano Hazards Program (US Geological Survey)
- Volcano Emergency Preparedness and Response (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Volcano Facts
- Volcano Fact Sheets (AVO)
- Rivers and Lakes Transport and House Volcanic Material (US Geological Survey)
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