Volcanic eruption - recommendations for health effects

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What can everyone do to protect themselves against air pollution during a volcanic eruption?

• Familiarize yourself with the Environment Agency's air quality map, and the Icelandic Met Office's gas pollution forecast, and follow the advice of the health authorities.

• Know basic responses, such as staying indoors and closing windows if pollution is high. Anything that reduces the presence of pollution helps. If it is necessary to be outdoors for a short time in very heavy pollution, it is useful to breathe through a wet cloth. Breathe slowly through your nose. Conventional face masks do little or nothing against air pollution from volcanic eruptions, but the use of gas masks is not recommended for the general public.

• Vulnerable individuals should consult their healthcare provider regarding medications and other possible benefits.

Measures to prevent sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution indoors

• Close windows and reduce access to front doors.

• Turn off ventilation where applicable.

• Ventilate as soon as the air quality outside improves.

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Each volcano is unique and the effects of volcanic eruptions are not always the same. Volcanic eruptions can release various types of pollutants, which are mainly found in the vicinity of the eruption. The most common air pollution is due to sulfur dioxide (SO2) that spreads with the prevailing wind direction, but its concentration is highest in the immediate vicinity of the volcano.

Gases associated with volcanic eruptions are colorless but some have a characteristic smell. Sulfur dioxide smells similar to fireworks, while hydrogen sulfide (H2S) smells similar to hot springs. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, on the other hand, are odorless but dangerous gases. Hydrogen fluoride (HF) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) have an irritating, strong and bitter smell, but gas pollution due to them is best when lava and sea meet.

Volcanic smog is air pollution that is created when sulfur dioxide (SO2), other gases and particles react with oxygen and moisture in the atmosphere with the help of sunlight. This converts sulfur dioxide (SO2) into sulfate (SO4). Additionally, volcanic smog, characterized by its distinct blue-gray hue, can accompany the eruption. Pollution from smog is not detectable on standard air quality monitors that measure sulfur dioxide. To assess the presence of haze, it is best to monitor measurements of PM1, which is a very fine particulate matter.

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Sulphur dioxide (SO2) at high levels can have health effects after only a short time, 10-15 minutes. See brochure Health hazards due to air pollution from volcanic eruptions.

When people are exposed to SO2, it changes the moist surface of mucous membranes in sulphuric acid, which irritates the eyes, nose and throat. However, most of the SO2 entering the body through the airway (nasal and oral) does not accumulate and damage to internal organs is not described. Because of this, it is important in the response to SO2 pollution that people breathe calmly, through their noses and avoid exercise.

Harmful effects of SO2 are associated with exposure of the lower respiratory tract to the lungs. In addition, more severe symptoms may develop, such as asthma and pulmonary swelling/oedema.

The effects of SO2 can be divided into short-term effects due to sudden, short-term pollution (minutes, hours), and long-term effects which may occur during periods of sustained pollution (days, months, years).

Harmful concentrations of sulphur dioxide

When assessing the risks and responses to pollution caused by SO2, health protection limits have been issued for shorter periods (minutes, hours), of 350 μg/m3, and for longer periods (day or more) of 125 μg/m3. However, it is difficult to directly relate certain values to particular characteristics because the effects of SO2 are highly individualized.

The short-term effects at low concentrations are primarily eye, nose and throat irritation and even headache. If levels go higher, for example over 600 μg/m3, cough can be transmitted, especially in vulnerable individuals* or individuals with underlying diseases.

When the concentration has reached over 2600 μ/m3, everyone develops symptoms, respiratory tract irritation, coughing and headache. Healthy individuals are unlikely to develop severe symptoms until the concentration rises to under 9000 μ/m3. Life-threatening symptoms do not appear until the concentration exceeds 150,000 μ/m3.

Children

Evidence suggests that children are generally more sensitive than adults; children breathe both faster and the volume of air they draw in, based on their body weight, is higher than in adults. In addition, children breathe through their mouths rather than through their noses. Children are therefore given the benefit of the doubt and their risk is defined as individuals with underlying illnesses.

Many (but not all) studies also show that SO2 contamination can cause reduced foetal growth and pregnancy outcomes, as well as delivery of babies.

Vulnerable individuals: Children, pregnant women, adults with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease, and people aged sixty years and older.

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We are expected to feel anxious and worried when events occur over which we have little control. Many experienced this during COVID-19, and many people also feel uneasiness in the earthquakes in Reykjanes, the capital area, and other areas. In times like these, taking care of your mental health and supporting those close to you is especially important.

It can be expected to feel anxious and worried

The first thing to remember is that worry and anxiety are normal reactions in situations like this. Throughout history, healthy fear and anxiety have taught us to avoid danger and thus saved our lives. It is, therefore, perfectly normal to feel these feelings now, but it is also important not to let them take over.

• We need to work through these concerns constructively, listen carefully to instructions, and focus on the factors we can control rather than those we cannot control.

• If you experience constant symptoms, e.g. lack of concentration, numbness, fear, sleep problems, anxiety, physical and mental weakness, and crying, it is essential to seek help.

• For many, it is enough to talk to their loved ones; others need more support, and visiting primary healthcare is good. You can make an appointment at your primary healthcare or contact a nurse directly via online chat at www.heilsuvera.is

• You can also contact the Red Cross Helpline 1717 (+354 580 1710), which is open 24/7.

The correct response

It is essential to pay attention to safety at home, as recommended on the Civil Protection's website, and learn about the correct response to earthquakes (Icelandic) and volcanic eruptions (Icelandic). Acquiring information is something we can control. On the other hand, we cannot control if or when the forces of nature take over, so it is not helpful to fixate on it.

A daily routine is important

It helps you pay attention to your daily routine, eat healthy food, get enough sleep, exercise daily, and have nurturing relationships with others. Find something fun to do or look forward to every day, whether it's a morning drink, an afternoon walk, quality time with the family, a conversation with a good friend, a swim, or reading good books. Practical tasks, such as housework and maintenance, which leave visible results, also positively affect well-being. These things are essential every day, but especially in times like these.

Remember that fear and worry beyond usual preventive measures do not improve our safety. Research has shown, however, that positive emotions can strengthen mental strength and resilience, and therefore, a good reason not to lose joy in times of uncertainty but to find ways to focus on what gives life value.

Be informed and talk to each other

The experience of children is often different from that of adults. They can become more nervous and insecure and show various behavioural problems. Adults must be aware of how they speak in the presence of children, educate them about what is happening, and tell them that the country has various forces that we must learn to live with. Emphasis must be placed on children being allowed to ask questions and be answered in simple language, depending on their age. Children are sensitive to the feelings and reactions of adults, so it is essential to stay calm as much as possible, explain the situation, allow them to talk about their fears, and reassure them. If the child experiences a constant threat and anxiety that significantly affects their quality of life, it is crucial to seek help.

The Reykjanesbær website provides valuable information and good advice for parents regarding anxiety and insecurity in children and teenagers (Icelandic).