Volcanic smog is also called vog. It forms when a volcano erupts and releases gases into the atmosphere.
Volcanic smog can irritate the lungs and make existing lung problems worse.
Alternative Names
Vog
Information
Volcanoes release plumes of ash, dust, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases into the air. Sulfur dioxide is the most harmful of these gases. When the gases react with oxygen, moisture, and sunlight in the atmosphere, volcanic smog forms. This smog is a type of air pollution, which can be quite toxic.
Volcanic smog also contains highly acidic aerosols (tiny particles and droplets), mainly sulfuric acid and other sulfur-related compounds. These aerosols are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs.
Breathing in volcanic smog irritates the lungs and mucous membranes. It can affect how well your lungs work. Volcanic smog may also affect your immune system.
The acidic particles in volcanic smog can worsen these lung conditions:
If you already have breathing problems, taking these steps can prevent your breathing from getting worse when you are exposed to volcanic smog:
Stay indoors as much as possible. People who have lung conditions should limit physical activity outdoors. Keep windows and doors closed and the air conditioning on. Using an air cleaner/purifier can also help.
When you do have to go outside, wear a paper or gauze surgical mask that covers your nose and mouth. Wet the mask with a solution of baking soda and water to further protect your lungs.
Wear goggles to protect your eyes from ash.
Take your COPD or asthma medicines as prescribed.
Do not smoke. Smoking can irritate your lungs even more.
Drink a lot of fluids, especially warm fluids (such as tea).
Bend forward at the waist slightly to make it easier to breathe.
Practice breathing exercises indoors to keep your lungs as healthy as possible. With your lips almost closed, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. This is called pursed-lip breathing. Or, breathe deeply through your nose into your belly without moving your chest. This is called diaphragmatic breathing.
If possible, leave or do not travel to the area where the volcanic smog is.
EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS
If you have asthma or COPD and your symptoms suddenly get worse, try using your rescue inhaler. If your symptoms don't improve:
Call 911 or the local emergency number right away.
Have someone take you to the emergency room.
Contact your health care provider if you:
Are coughing up more mucus than usual, or the mucus has changed color
Are coughing up blood
Have a high fever (over 100°F or 37.8°C)
Have flu-like symptoms
Have severe chest pain or tightness
Have shortness of breath or wheezing that is getting worse
Have swelling in your legs or abdomen
References
Balmes JR, Holm SM. Indoor and outdoor air pollution. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 102.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Health effects of volcanic air pollution. www.cdc.gov/volcanoes/risk-factors/index.html. Updated April 22, 2024. Accessed May 24, 2024.
Review Date:
5/3/2024
Reviewed By:
Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
