The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reminded the public anew to take precautionary measures against volcanic smog, or vog from Taal Volcano.
The OCD made the reminder after montioring that the vog from Taal Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 1, reached various cities and municipalities in Batangas.
"Rest assured that the OCD is actively monitoring the activity of the volcano and the situation in the affected areas," OCD Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement.
"Our regional counterpart in CALABARZON has been on alert to ensure the safety of the communities. The national government is ready to send assistance if necessary," he added.
OCD advised the public to limit exposure by avoiding outdoor activities and staying indoors, closing doors and windows to block out the vog, drinking water to address throat irritation and to seek medical attention in case of emergency.
On Monday, October 9, several local government units in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal declared class suspension due to vog.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned that vog can cause cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract with severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure.
"Vog consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as SO2 which is acidic," PHIVOLCS explained.
"People who may be particularly sensitive to vog are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” the agency added.
