HOW DOES A VOLCANIC ERUPTION AFFECT YOUR ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH?

Alteration of air quality

Depending on the extent of volcanic activity, the first and sometimes the only sign of its activity to the population is the emission of grey or white smoke containing gases and ash.

The ash and projected gases are dispersed into the atmosphere, impacting all ecosystems near the volcano and even kilometres away from its cone, mainly due to the action of the wind.

Water vapour emitted during an eruption increases humidity in the affected area. This contributes with the emission of gas to the formation of acid rain and a form of dense gaseous layer (vog) whose presence prevents full penetration of sunlight to the surface.

This phenomenon generates local and regional climate variations, acid rain leads to soil acidification and disruption of flora.

The gases emitted during a volcanic eruption have various effects on human and animal health.

There are irritant gases that act on the respiratory system and mucous membranes.

Non-irritant gases are present in areas very close to the volcano, they are absorbed directly into the blood causing a decrease in the oxygen level, so they are called asphyxiating gases. They kill directly.

Ash particles produced during explosive eruptions are often small enough to be quickly inhaled deep into the lungs, and coarser particles can lodge in the nose or eyes and irritate the skin. Historical data on deaths from high ash concentrations are rare. However,when ash is mixed with gases, it can be fatal. Extensive burns, tissue necrosis, septicaemia and bronchopneumonia have also been reported as a result of hot ash aspiration.

Impact on water quality