Volcanoes produce many hazards that can impact health. These include ash, gas, flying rocks, lava and mud flows (lahars). Volcanic emissions – usually gases and ash - can result in air pollution that may be harmful to people.
Understanding the volcanic risk is the first step to getting prepared. Whakaari and Mount Ruapehu are the most active volcanoes in our region.
We routinely monitor volcanic activity reports provided by GeoNet and remain connected with other partner agencies to provide relevant public health advice.
Volcanic activity updates
- GeoNet monitors volcanic activity for Whakaari White Island, and Ruapehu volcano and its crater lake. Check out the latest Volcanic Activity Bulletins from GeoNet.
- If you are planning to visit the Mt Ruapehu area, the Department of Conservation has guidance on volcanic risk in Tongariro National Park.
Preparing for volcanic emissions
- Understand the volcanic risk to you and your whānau. GeoNet provides information to answer frequently asked questions on Whakaari/White Island and issues updates and news on all volcanic activity, including for Mount Ruapehu.
- The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has up to date information on what to do before, during and after volcanic activity, and includes suggestions on what should be added to your emergency supplies.
The health risks from volcanic emissions
People with chronic heart or lung conditions are at higher risk. Where possible, reduce your exposure to airborne volcanic emissions by staying indoors.
This is particularly important for children, older adults and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis, and heart conditions.
Common short-term symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat, sometimes accompanied by dry coughing
- Airway irritation
- Uncomfortable breathing, shortness of breath and wheezing
- People with pre-existing chest complaints may experiencing a worsening of symptoms
- Itchy, painful or bloodshot eyes
- Irritation and reddening of the skin
Contact your doctor or health professional or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you have any concerns about your own or others’ health.
If you have been prescribed medication to prevent asthma or other breathing conditions, continue to take it as prescribed. Always keep your medication with you.
volcanic plumes
A volcanic plume consists of a mixture of volcanic ash, gases and small particles. Plumes can travel considerable distances downwind impacting air quality locally and in distant locations.
Vog (a combination of the words ‘volcanic’ and ‘smog’) is formed when sulfur dioxide reacts in the atmosphere to form tiny particles. These are visible as a haze and can spread downwind.
A vog plume from Whakaari White Island volcano is often visible, and it may reach the Bay of Plenty coast at times or even travel further inland. Hazy conditions and a sulfur smell like rotten eggs often occur together. Vog may cause headaches, sting eyes and irritate breathing. These symptoms are likely to persist while vog is present.
People likely to be more sensitive to vog include those with breathing problems such as asthmatics or those with COPD, people with heart disease, older people, babies and young children, those pregnant, and new mothers.
People who notice vog and are concerned about their health can limit their exposure by staying indoors, keeping doors and windows closed, and avoiding the use of heat pumps or air-conditioning units that draw in air from outside.
While indoors, it’s a good idea to protect the air quality inside by not smoking inside or burning candles or incense. Only use gas heaters that have a flue or air outlet to the outside.
N95 and P2 facemasks provide protection against breathing ash and tiny particles, they do not protect against breathing in gases.
Anyone concerned about their health or that of a family member during a vog episode should call their family doctor or Healthline (0800 611 116).
ashfall
Volcanic ash consists of small pieces of rock and glass. Ash is carried downwind and can fall out over large areas. Ashfall is the most likely volcanic hazard for most people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Volcanic ash is harmful when breathed in (inhaled) and when eaten. It can also irritate skin and eyes. Please take care to reduce your exposure to ash fall and wear protective clothing if outside.
The Get Ready website has comprehensive advice on cleaning up ash from your property and ensuring water and food is safe.
Information on how to fit a dust mask correctly and protecting yourself from breathing ash is on the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN) website.
Taumata Arowai has advice If your water has been contaminated or in short supply.
For more information
- Staying informed - Get Ready, Get Thru: information on the correct radio stations, online and social media resources to keep you updated during an emergency. This information is translated into nine languages.
- Volcanic activity - Get Ready, Get Thru: what to do before, during and after volcanic activity, and guidance on what to do if your household or marae uses roof-collected rainwater.
- Working at heights - Work Safe: advice on working safely on roofs.
- Volcanic ash and impact zones - GNS: what volcanic ash contains and the likely impact areas from an eruption.
- Geothermal activity and staying safe from geothermal gases
Updated 01 Nov, 2024