So you’ve probably seen the news — a volcano all the way in Ethiopia erupted, and somehow the ash has travelled thousands of kilometres to show up above Delhi-NCR. . It sounds dramatic, but let’s break it down calmly and understand what’s happening and whether it poses any health dangers. Reported by TOI.
How did ash travel all the way to India?
On 24–25 November 2025, Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted after years of dormancy, sending volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and microscopic particles of rock and glass high into the atmosphere. Strong winds then carried the ash cloud across the Red Sea, over the Arabian Sea, and eventually toward northwest India, including Delhi-NCR.
Before anyone panics — this ash is mostly suspended high in the upper atmosphere. But it’s still important to know what volcanic ash can do and how to stay safe.
What exactly is volcanic ash?
Volcanic ash isn’t like soft fireplace ash — it’s made of tiny, sharp particles of rock, minerals, and volcanic glass. These particles can be abrasive, acidic, and irritating. In some cases, ash also contains crystalline silica, a substance that can cause lung disease (silicosis) with long-term, heavy exposure.
How can it affect your health?
According to the CDC, short-term exposure to volcanic ash may cause:
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Coughing or difficulty breathing
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Sore throat
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Itchy or red eyes
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Headaches or fatigue
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Mild nausea if a lot of ash is inhaled
People with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other respiratory issues may experience stronger symptoms.
Heavy, long-term exposure — which happens near active volcanoes — can lead to more serious lung problems, but that is not the situation in Delhi right now.
Expert view: What doctors say
Dr. Vijay Kumar Agrawal, Director of Pulmonology & Critical Care at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Faridabad, explains that volcanic ash poses respiratory risks mainly because of PM10 and PM2.5 particles. The silica content and SO₂ gas (volcanic smog or “vog”) can worsen the impact.
Breathing in the acidic, abrasive particles can irritate both upper and lower airways, causing temporary symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, and nasal congestion.
For people with existing lung diseases — asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis — ash exposure may trigger flare-ups requiring additional medication or even emergency care.
Chronic, occupational exposure to volcanic ash in eruptive regions can lead to long-term lung diseases such as:
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Silicosis
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Non-Specific Pneumoconiosis
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COPD-like obstruction
But such outcomes typically require prolonged heavy exposure, which is not expected from this high-altitude ash plume.
How to protect yourself
To minimise your risk:
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Stay indoors when possible; keep windows and doors closed.
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Wear a NIOSH-approved N95 mask if you need to go outside.
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Avoid AC units that pull in outside air.
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Gently wash ash off skin and eyes with clean water.
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Clean ash from entryways and ventilation areas.
Bottom line
While not everyone exposed to volcanic ash will face serious health problems, it can cause irritation — especially for sensitive individuals. With the ash plume from Ethiopia drifting toward parts of India, staying informed, taking basic precautions, and following CDC and medical guidance is the best way to stay safe.TOI
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