Relationship between volcanic ash exposure and human illnesses in the affected municipalities of Taal Volcano eruption

Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Lasaliksik

Abstract

Illnesses are commonly due to infectious causes, but the environment can also be a source depending on the person’s exposure. On this premise, the study aimed to determine the relationship between volcanic ash exposure and illnesses in the municipalities affected by the Taal volcano eruption. The health of the affected residents from the three municipalities of Batangas- Agoncillo, Talisay and Cuenca- was assessed using the modified natural disaster morbidity survey form of the Center for Disease Control. The level of volcanic ash exposure of municipalities was based on its distance to Taal volcano. The municipality with the highest exposure was Agoncillo while Talisay was categorized as having moderate ash exposure. Meanwhile, Cuenca was identified as the municipality with the least volcanic ash exposure. The chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between volcanic ash exposure and the illnesses. In this study, it is the pulmonary system of the residents that has been significantly affected. The study also observed that volcanic ash exposure is related to the development of illnesses. Individuals who reside in the municipality with high volcanic ash exposure were more affected and also exhibited more symptoms than the residents with lesser ash exposure. The level of ash exposure affected human health and contributed to the development of illnesses after a volcanic eruption.

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