The ashfall from Taal Volcano’s eruption may have disrupted many lives, but Biñan City’s Materials and Recovery Facility has already begun taking advantage of the unexpected phenomenon by turning the ash into cement bricks.
Some people are concerned with the health risks of such an endeavor, while others praised the innovative idea of the Biñan City’s MRF.
In some countries, the combination of ash, sand and cement can be turned into concrete bricks. According to a research team from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), pulverized volcanic ash can make a physical structure stronger. However, the mixture must be formulated correctly to produce product of good quality.
The Department of Health earlier informed the public that exposure to volcanic ash and gases may lead to various diseases like nose and throat irritation, coughing, bronchitis-like illness, eye irritation, and minor-skin problems.