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Summary
A volcano is a vent in the Earth's crust. Hot rock, steam, poisonous gases, and ash reach the Earth's surface when a volcano erupts. An eruption can also cause earthquakes, mudflows and flash floods, rock falls and landslides, acid rain, fires, and even tsunamis.
Volcanic gas and ash can damage the lungs of small infants, older adults, and people with severe respiratory illnesses. Volcanic ash can affect people hundreds of miles away from the eruption.
Although there are no guarantees of safety during a volcanic eruption, you can take actions to protect yourself. You should have a disaster plan. Being prepared can help reduce fear, anxiety, and losses. If you do experience a disaster, it is normal to feel stressed. You may need help in finding ways to cope.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Learn More
- DisasterAssistance.gov (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish
- Federal Emergency Management Agency Also in Spanish
- Lung problems and volcanic smog (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Volcanic Gases Can Be Harmful to Health, Vegetation, and Infrastructure (U.S. Geological Survey)
- Volcanoes (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish
- Volcanoes and Your Safety (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- What Are Volcano Hazards? (U.S. Geological Survey) - PDF Also in Spanish
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Atmospheric particulates over the northwestern Pacific during the late Holocene: Volcanism,...
- Article: Assessing the hidden dangers of volcanic CO(2) exposure: a critical review...
- Article: Respiratory and physical health consequences in older adults in a high-risk...
- Volcanoes -- see more articles
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.