Hazardous Particles in Popocatépetl Ash
The ash from the Popocatépetl volcano poses more than just a visibility issue or car-dirtying concern. According to a study led by Dr. Benedetto Schiavo from the Institute of Geophysics at UNAM, this material can enter the human body and cause adverse effects when inhaled or comes into contact with contaminated water and food.
Tiny Particles Reaching Lungs
Dr. Schiavo and his team analyzed the concentration of metals, including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, and lead, present in Popocatépetl ash. The most dangerous particles are those smaller than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5) or even ultrafine, less than 100 nanometers, capable of reaching the alveoli in the lungs.
“Once a substance is absorbed, it can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic alterations anywhere in the body,” explained Dr. Schiavo during the Spotify podcast Geofísica al descubierto.
Bioinsoluble and Biodurable Cenizas
The study found that the emitted cenizas are bioinsoluble and biodurable, meaning they do not dissolve easily in pulmonary fluids and can remain in the body for extended periods. This increases the risk of the body, failing to recognize them, causing oxidative stress—a process that can lead to acute or chronic respiratory inflammation.
Dr. Schiavo emphasized the importance of following Protección Civil recommendations to minimize exposure, such as avoiding outdoor activities, wearing masks, and keeping doors and windows closed when ash falls.
Scientific Basis
The work, published in the journal Environmental Geochemistry and Health, reviewed the fraction bioaccessible to the lungs of eight potentially toxic metalloids in five ceniza samples collected from Popocatépetl. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to determine their size, shape, and texture.
The study collaborated with specialists from various UNAM institutes (such as Geology and Atmospheric Sciences) along with the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education in Ensenada and the University of Sonora.
Continuous Monitoring of Popocatépetl
Dr. Schiavo reminded us that Popocatépetl, along with the volcanoes in Colima and Chiapas’ Chichón, is among Mexico’s most monitored. Observations include gas emissions, explosion frequency, and ceniza fallout, with results shared with the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred) and Protección Civil to issue early warnings.
“Scientific results enable informed decisions to protect the population,” stressed Dr. Schiavo, who insisted that vigilance and prevention remain the best tools against Popocatépetl’s activity.
Key Questions and Answers
- What makes Popocatépetl ash dangerous? The ash contains tiny particles (less than 2.5 microns) that can reach the lungs’ alveoli, potentially causing systemic alterations when absorbed.
- How do these particles affect the body? Once absorbed, they can enter the bloodstream and cause oxidative stress, potentially leading to acute or chronic respiratory inflammation.
- What are bioinsoluble and biodurable cenizas? These terms describe particles that don’t dissolve easily in pulmonary fluids and can remain in the body for extended periods, increasing health risks.
- How can exposure to Popocatépetl ash be minimized? Follow Protección Civil recommendations, such as avoiding outdoor activities, wearing masks, and keeping doors and windows closed during ash fallout.
- What institutes collaborated on the study? The research involved specialists from various UNAM institutes, including Geology and Atmospheric Sciences, along with the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education in Ensenada and the University of Sonora.
