Doctors urged citizens to stay indoors to limit exposure to ashfall from Taal Volcano.

According to pulmonologist Giancarlo Arandia, ash emitted by the volcano are so tiny that it can easily go into the openings of the respiratory system.

“Hindi mo pa alam kung kailan ‘yung landfall. Try to cover your nose and your mouth,” Arandia told DZMM Teleradyo as ash from Taal Volcano fell over Metro Manila and parts of Luzon.

Arandia said people can also use a damp towel to cover the nose, aside from an N95 mask, when going outdoors.

Ophthalmologist Nilo Flor Cruz said ashes have acidic elements that can irritate the eyes.

“Irritating ‘yung ash na ‘yon dahil medyo acidic ‘yon eh. Kung dati sa panahon ng Pinatubo, pwedeng mangalawang ‘yung mga bubong, paano pa ‘yung mata natin,” the doctor told DZMM Teleradyo.

When eyes are affected, the doctor recommended to use eye lubricant drops in order to remove the tiny ashes.

He also recommended washing the face instead of wiping it with a damp towel as the rubbing will irritate the eyes more.

The state seismology bureau raised alert level 4 on Sunday night after Taal Volcano spewed a giant column of steam and ash.

• Alert level 4 raised over Taal, volcanic tsunami possible: PHIVOLCS

The last reported major eruption of the volcano was on October 3, 1977.

Taal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines.