A survey of early health effects of the Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruption in Iceland: a population-based study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo estimate physical and mental health effects of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption on nearby residents.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted on 14 April 2010. The eruption lasted for about 6 weeks and was explosive, ejecting some 8 million tons of fine particles into the atmosphere. Due to prevailing winds, the ash spread mostly to the south and south-east, first over the rural region to the south, later over the Atlantic Ocean and Europe, closing European air space for several days.ParticipantsResidents (n=207) of the most ash-exposed rural area south and east of the volcano.MethodsThe study period was from 31 May to 11 June 2010. Participants were examined by a physician. To ascertain respiratory health, standardised spirometry was performed before and after the use of a bronchodilator. All adult participants answered questionnaires about mental and physical health, their children's health and the use of protective equipment.ResultsEvery other adult participant reported irritation in eyes and upper airway when exposed to volcanic ash. Adults (n=26) and children (n=5) with pre-existing asthma frequently reported worsening of their symptoms. No serious health problems requiring hospitalisation could be attributed to the eruption. The majority of the participants reported no abnormal physical or mental symptoms to the examining physician. Compared to an age- and gender-matched reference group, the ash-exposed participants reported lower smoking rates and were less likely to have ventilation impairment. Less than 10% of the participants reported symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression.ConclusionsShort-term ash exposure was associated with upper airway irritation symptoms and exacerbation of pre-existing asthma but did not contribute to serious health problems. The exposure did not impair respiratory function compared to controls. Outdoor use of protective glasses and face masks was considered protective against irritation in eyes and upper airway.

A retrospective study on acute health effects due to volcanic ash exposure during the eruption of Mount Etna (Sicily) in 2002

“…Sakurajima in Japan, over the long term (>30 years) experienced a relatively high mortality for respiratory diseases, which included lung cancer and COPD [11]. In 6–9 months after the end of Eyjafjallajökull eruption, residents from exposed areas reported several medical problems including increased wheezing, cough and phlegm, as well as eye and skin irritation [10]. …”

“…Adverse respiratory effects from exposure to volcanic ash have been documented during the eruption of Montserrat, British West Indies, in 1995 [7,8], and from Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Iceland, in 2010 [9,10]. In addition, repeated exposure to ash fall from Mount Sakurajima, Japan, was associated with increased mortality due to respiratory diseases including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [11].…”

Long-term health of children following the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption: a prospective cohort study

“…Previous studies have reported adverse respiratory symptoms following exposure to volcanic ash, both among children (Forbes, Jarvis, Potts, & Baxter, 2003; Naumova et al, 2007) and adults (Buist, Vollmer, Johnson, Bernstein, & Mccamant, 1986; Carlsen et al, 2012, 2012; Fano et al, 2006; Horton & McCaldin, 1964; Horwell & Baxter, 2006; Rojas-Ramos et al, 2001). Respiratory symptoms have also been found to be more common among both children and adults in high exposed areas, compared to non-exposed and low exposed areas (Carlsen et al, 2012; Forbes et al, 2003).…”

Communication Demands of Volcanic Ashfall Events

“…We discuss in more detail: ash hazard assessment tools; communication tools available for the key sectors of public health, agriculture, and critical infrastructure; and However, very fine ash as PM2.5 and PM10 is a health hazard when it is readily suspended in the air by wind and traffic (Carlsen et al 2012a;Wilson et al 2012). Short-term effects commonly include irritation of the eyes and lung airways, and exacerbation of pre-existing asthma and chronic lung diseases (Horwell and Baxter 2006; see also www.ivhhn.org).…”

“…The presence of respirable crystalline silica in some eruptions will cause much concern over the risk of silicosis, a chronic lung disease which is entirely preventable by adequate measures to reduce exposure in prolonged crises (e.g., Montserrat, 1995Montserrat, -2010. Affected communities can also experience psychological stress from disruption of livelihoods and other social impacts (Carlsen et al 2012a, b).…”