Eye irritation is a common health effect, as bits of particles can cause painful scratches to the front of the eye (corneal abrasions) and conjunctivitis. Contact lens wearers should be especially aware of this problem and should not wear them to avoid corneal abrasion. Instead, goggles should be worn. Common symptoms include:
- Corneal abrasions or scrapes
- Acute conjunctivitis or inflammation of the conjunctival sac that surrounds the eyeball due to the presence of ash, causing redness, burning in the eyes and photosensitivity.
- The eyes feel like they have foreign particles in them.
- The eyes become painful, itchy, or are bloodshot.
- Sticky or watery discharge
While not common, volcanic ash can cause skin irritation for some people, especially if the ash is acidic. Symptoms include:
- Irritation and redness of the skin.
- Secondary scratching infections.
In most situations, acting according to a few general principles will reduce the effects of ash and make clean-up operations easier. These principles apply to homes, businesses, and communities. The main recommendation is to avoid exposure to ash as much as possible; use of masks and protective glasses for the eyes. For additional consultations it is always important to consult a specialist to obtain personalized recommendations.