Fatalities by inhalation of volcanic gas at Mt. Aso crater in Kumamoto, Japan

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“…Four of the six fatalities had a previous history of bronchial asthma. Forensic autopsy revealed severe pulmonary emphysematous changes and congestion in the lungs due to volcanic gas inhalation [3]. These findings support the idea that individuals with chronic lung disease and severe heart disease are classified at a higher risk of developing health problems after volcanic gas inhalation including the one at Miyakejima.…”

“…Monitoring devices (SO 2 monitors, 100-AH, Rikenkeiki, Tokyo, Japan, or APSA-360, Horiva, Kyoto, Japan) for SO 2 were placed at 16 sampling points on the island [2], which was based on the Mount Aso experience [3].…”

Gas hazard: an often neglected natural risk in volcanic areas

“…In healthy persons 5 to 10 ppm SO 2 cause eye, nose and throat irritation while 30 to 40 ppm can lead to respiratory failure. In individuals with bronchial asthma or other chronic lung diseases exposure to much lower levels (0.25 to 0.5 ppm) can be life threatening [1]. Concentrations of up to a few ppm can easily be achieved close to active volcanic craters.…”

“…Indeed six fatalities due to SO 2 have been documented at Mt. Aso volcano, Japan in the period 1989-1997, while other 59 persons had to be hospitalized in the period 1980-1995 [1]. Five of the dead and 29 of the injured suffered from chronic lung diseases, evidencing the higher risk for this class of people.…”

“…But such precautions were not able to save the lives of two persons on 23 November 1997. So it was decided to apply a more rigorous criterion, forbidding the access if SO 2 was exceeding 0.2 ppm for more than 1 min or in the presence of instantaneous peaks exceeding 5 ppm [1].…”