India is already battling “very poor” air quality, and now volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi eruption has entered our airspace, making things even worse. Packed with fine particles and sulphur dioxide, this ash can irritate and inflame the airways and when it mixes with our high PM2.5 levels, even healthy people may start feeling breathless or uncomfortable. Volcanic ash and pollution heighten risks for vulnerable groups. (Shutterstock.) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Swapnil Mehta, Sr Consultant–Pulmonology at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, shares how the incoming volcanic ash could intensify India’s already strained air quality and what it means for your lungs. (Also read: Mumbai nutritionist shares 4 simple habits that can help you reverse pre-diabetes: From stress to late-night dinners ) 1. Does volcanic ash + poor AQI worsen irritation or inflammation? Yes. This combination amplifies airway inflammation because volcanic ash particles are jagged and chemically active. When mixed with urban pollutants, they can penetrate deeper into the lungs, causing bronchospasm, throat irritation, and increased oxidative stress. For asthmatics …