Icelandic Eruption to Have Far Reaching Health Consequences

Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano has now been erupting for nearly a month - intensifying over the last week, with no end in sight. As the ash plume continues to spread across Europe, those affected will go far beyond the airlines and travelers.

The ash plume will also affect all those that breath the air it saturates - people and animals alike, especially if it falls as acid rain. The World Health Organization says that “as long as the ash remains in the upper atmosphere, there will not likely be an increased risk of health effects, but people with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis may be more susceptible to irritation if the ash is in the lower atmosphere in high concentrations.”

“If people are outside and notice irritation in their lungs, a runny nose, or itchy eyes, they should return indoors and limit their outdoor activities,” said Dr. Maria Neira, director of the public health and environment department at WHO.

Eyjafjallajokull volcano blankets southern Iceland. Photo from Winston-Salem Journal.

The United Kingdom’s Health Protection Agency agreed with this precaution, adding that is people “notice a dusty haze in the air or can smell sulphur, rotten eggs, or a strong acidic smell, they may wish to limit their activities outdoors or return indoors.”

The agency also stressed that, “those with existing respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma may notice these effects more than others, and should ensure they have any inhalers or other medications with them.”

Both health groups - as well as other including the Health Protection Scotland and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency - all agree that they aren’t expecting any long term health effects from breathing in the ash.

Health Protection Scotland is trying to ease concerns, saying “studies in the USA following eruptions in Washington state and Oregon showed no severe or lasting health effects in people living in the effected areas.”

A greater concern is the potential effect on water supplies and livestock in the event of acid rain. The Scottish EPA said that should it rain, “the most common effects are from the suspension of ash on uncovered water supplies such as reservoirs. This may result in a change in turbidity (clarity or transparency) and acidity, although this is generally short-lived (a few hours to a few days). Such impacts seem to be associated with significant ash falls, greater than 3mm.”

The Scottish EPA added that, “Volcanic ash contains fluorine, and the main concern of fluorine poisoning is for livestock, which graze on ah-contaminated grass and feed, but significant deposits are usually required and there is no evidence so far that this will occur.”

The Scottish EPA said that it is continuing to monitor the situation, but “current available evidence suggests that there is a minimal risk to human health and the wider environment.”

Authors note: Readers use your own wisdom. Use good water filters; wash your produce thoroughly; and keep your breathing medications with you. Everyone, please be safe.

Reader comments and input are always welcomed!