Volcano Cloud Danger to health?

Volcano cloud: danger of lung disease?

The UK's Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that the massive cloud of volcanic ash from the Icelandic Eyjafjalla volcano can increase symptoms in people with existing respiratory problems if particles are depressed by rain or damp air and then rise again in the event of drought. Overall, the cloud of volcanic ash is at high altitudes and there are hardly any particles near the ground. In damp air or rain, the particles are anyway depressed.

Eventually small particles can rise again in windy conditions. There may be increased symptoms in people with respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema (hyperventilation of the lungs) or asthma. Patients are advised to go to the home or other interior rooms at the first sign to reduce the impact of the particles. Also a smell of rotten eggs, strongly sour or after sulfur or the recognition of a haze bell should be a reason for the stay inside.

Basically, people should have respiratory medicine and inhalers. At higher concentrations, ashes may cause eye burning and itching, throat scratching and dryness, dry cough, or runny nose due to the gases contained. These symptoms are short-lived and unlikely to follow. (Thorsten Fischer, Naturopath Osteopathy, 17.04.2010)