Epidemiologist Warns of the Dangers of Mount Marapi's Poisonous Gases Triggering Toxicity in the Body

Illustration. Mount Marapi emits volcanic ash visible from Nagari Bukik Batabuah, Agam, West Sumatra, Monday, January 8, 2024 night. (ANTARA PHOTO-Iggoy el Fitra)

WEST WEST - Epidemiologist from Andalas University (Unand) West Sumatra (Sumbar) Defriman Djafri said the potential for poisonous gas emerging from the eruption of Mount Marapi could cause or trigger toxicity in the human body.

"You need to be careful because there is the potential for poisonous gas that can cause toxicity," said Defriman in Padang, West Sumatra, Thursday, January 11, reported by Antara.

Toxicity is the ability of a substance or material to cause discomfort, pain, and even death in humans and animals.

According to the Dean of the Unand Faculty of Public Health, the potential threat of toxic gas also depends on the distribution of volcanic ash which is influenced by wind direction.

To prevent exposure to poisonous gas, Defriman advises people around Mount Marapi to always use medical masks or masks that have a double filter.

"You also need to know that not all masks can protect you from toxic gas compounds," he said.

Apart from the potential for toxic gas, Defriman, who is a member of the Indonesian Public Health Experts Association (IAKMI), said that using a mask also protects oneself from dust particles of 0.5 to 10 microns.

With the naked eye, he said, the dust is invisible so many people forget to wear masks. In fact, without realizing it, dust has entered the lungs through the respiratory tract.

"This is invisible and dangerous to health. Worse, for example, certain chemicals bind through aerosols which are even more dangerous," he said.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) stated that there is a potential danger of toxic volcanic gas in the crater area of ​​Mount Marapi. These poisonous gases are carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide which are dangerous if inhaled.