Observations on Air Pollution Aspects of Irazú Volcano, Costa Rica

Horton, Robert J.; McCaldin, Roy O.

doi:10.2307/4592281

Cited by 10 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“… 9 Previous studies have shown adverse respiratory effects of exposure to volcanic ash, but most of these are based on short-term follow-ups (from a few weeks up to a year following exposure). 4 5 8 10 12–14 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long-term health effects of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption: a prospective cohort study in 2010 and 2013

et al. 2016

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ObjectivesTo examine the long-term development of physical and mental health following exposure to a volcanic eruption.DesignPopulation-based prospective cohort study.SettingIn spring 2010, the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted. Data were collected at 2 time points: in 2010 and 2013.ParticipantsAdult residents in areas close to the Eyjafjallajökull volcano (N=1096), divided according to exposure levels, and a non-exposed sample (n=475), with 80% participation rate in 2013.Main outcome measuresPhysical symptoms in the previous year (chronic) and previous month (recent), and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12-item version, GHQ-12), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-4) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (Primary Care PTSD, PC-PTSD).ResultsIn the exposed group, certain symptoms were higher in 2013 than in 2010, for example, morning phlegm during winter (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.49 to 3.06), skin rash/eczema (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.76 to 4.65), back pain (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.05) and insomnia (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.30), in addition to a higher prevalence of regular use of certain medications (eg, for asthma (OR 2.80; 95% CI 1.01 to 7.77)). PTSD symptoms decreased between 2010 and 2013 (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.61), while the prevalence of psychological distress and perceived stress remained similar. In 2013, the exposed group showed a higher prevalence of various respiratory symptoms than did the non-exposed group, such as wheezing without a cold (high exposure OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.27 to 4.47) and phlegm (high exposure OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.48 to 5.55), some symptoms reflecting the degree of exposure (eg, nocturnal chest tightness (medium exposed OR 3.09; 95% CI 1.21 to 10.46; high exposed OR 3.42; 95% CI 1.30 to 11.79)).ConclusionsThe findings indicate that people exposed to a volcanic eruption, especially those most exposed, exhibit increased risk of certain symptoms 3–4 years after the eruption.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long-term health effects of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption: a prospective cohort study in 2010 and 2013

et al. 2016

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“…St. Helens) Horton and McCaldin (1964) documented the impact of the 1963-1965 ashfalls from Irazu, Costa Rica, on the population of the capital, San Jose. The study was the first to be published which mentioned that volcanic ash can exacerbate pre-existing lung disease.…”

Section: Mechanisms Of Particle Toxicitymentioning

confidence: 98%

The respiratory health hazards of volcanic ash: a review for volcanic risk mitigation

2006

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Studies of the respiratory health effects of different types of volcanic ash have been undertaken only in the last 40 years, and mostly since the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980. This review of all published clinical, epidemiological and toxicological studies, and other work known to the authors up to and including 2005, highlights the sparseness of studies on acute health effects after eruptions and the complexity of evaluating the long-term health risk (silicosis, non-specific pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in populations from prolonged exposure to ash due to persistent eruptive activity. The acute and chronic health effects of volcanic ash depend upon particle size (particularly the proportion of respirable-sized material), mineralogical composition (including the crystalline silica content) and the physicochemical properties of the surfaces of the ash particles, all of which vary between volcanoes and even eruptions of the same volcano, but adequate information on these key characteristics is not reported for most eruptions. The incidence of acute respiratory symptoms (e.g. asthma, bronchitis) varies greatly after ashfalls, from very few, if any, reported cases to population outbreaks of asthma. The studies are inadequate for excluding increases in acute respiratory mortality after eruptions. Individuals with preexisting lung disease, including asthma, can be at increased risk of their symptoms being exacerbated after falls of fine ash. A comprehensive risk assessment, including toxicological studies, to determine the long-term risk of silicosis from chronic exposure to volcanic ash, has been undertaken only in the eruptions of Mt. St. Helens (1980), USA, and Soufrière Hills, Montserrat (1995 onwards). In the Soufrière Hills eruption, a long-term silicosis hazard has been identified and sufficient exposure and toxicological information obtained to make a probabilistic risk assessment for the development of silicosis in outdoor workers and the general population. A more systematic approach to multi-disciplinary studies in future eruptions is recommended, including establishing an archive of ash samples and a website containing health advice for the public, together with scientific and medical study guidelines for volcanologists and health-care workers.

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“…El principal problema fue la alimentación y control de enfermedades. Horton & McCaldin (1964) explican que la producción de leche disminuyó ligeramente por debajo de los requerimientos de leche fresca y se preveía escasez de leche. Además, la producción no retorno al nivel normal, debido al aumento de los sacrificios de las cabezas de ganado, los abortos y disminución de las crías.…”

Section: Pérdidas Directasunclassified

“…Pastos: Horton & McCaldin (1964) dicen que aproximadamente 16 500 hectáreas de tierras de pastoreo se dañaron por las cenizas. Además, gran parte de la tierra de pastoreo, al oeste y al sur oeste del cráter hasta la distancia de 10 km, se vieron gravemente afectadas por la ceniza.…”

Section: Inversiones Para La Recuperaciónunclassified

Pérdidas humanas y económicas provocadas por el vulcanismo en Costa Rica durante el final del siglo XX e inicio del XXI

Aguilar

Alvarado

2014

Rev. Geol. Amér. Central

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An integrated approximation of the impact of volcanic eruptions in the period between the years 1953 and 2005 in Costa Rica is presented for the first time. The detailled damage (bridges, houses, railways, factories), economic losses (agriculture, livestock, drinking water), disruption of activities, loss of life and investments (donations, mitigation measurements), is given. This focuses on the disasters and economic effects, but the sociological and psychological effects were not assessed.

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Observations on Air Pollution Aspects of Irazú Volcano, Costa Rica

Cited by 10 publications

References 4 publications

Long-term health effects of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption: a prospective cohort study in 2010 and 2013

Long-term health effects of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption: a prospective cohort study in 2010 and 2013

The respiratory health hazards of volcanic ash: a review for volcanic risk mitigation

Pérdidas humanas y económicas provocadas por el vulcanismo en Costa Rica durante el final del siglo XX e inicio del XXI

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