HOW DOES A VOLCANIC ERUPTION AFFECT YOUR ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH?

During a volcanic eruption, the quality of natural resources such as air, soil and water in the ecosystems of the volcanic risk zone is altered, mainly by the emission of gases and ash.

The impact on these resources and on the inhabitants of the area is discussed in detail below:

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

Surface waters of lakes, rivers and streams present a high risk of contamination by ash precipitation that changes the characteristics of the water (taste, odour and colour).
This not only prevents users from consuming water, but also affects the living conditions of organisms. Sometimes there is a change in water temperature and depletion of dissolved oxygen quality. Its impact on the agricultural production system can be devastating for the local economy.

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Impact on soil quality

Initially, the effect of the accumulation of ash and acid rain burns the vegetation and renders the soil unusable for several months
Subsequently, the soil can benefit from the enrichment of its nutrients due to the chemical reaction with the ash. The volcanic ash mixture increases the fertility of future crops, thus promoting plant growth and plant cover.
Mixed volcanic ash increases the fertility of future crops, thus promoting plant growth and plant cover.
In contrast to ashfall, lahars, pyroclastic flows or lava flows on the ground damage its agricultural potential because the soil is covered with thick layers of solidifying mud.
Agriculture and livestock farming are particularly affected by the level of ash emitted. The centimetres of ash that cover the ground do not allow crops and livestock to survive

Impact on public infrastructure

Public utilities for solid waste collection, water supply, sanitation, electricity, local telephony and gas are essential for the normal development of the population.

The absence or deterioration of these public services can increase environmental health risks and further complicate the relief work of aid agencies.

The greatest risk to electricity and gas supplies is related to damage to their networks when they are activated or used during the emergency.

The main risk to electricity and gas supplies is related to damage to their networks when they are activated or used during the emergency.

A gas leak or a damaged electrical cable is a serious danger to the public.