Ash Health Impact Assessed

The rogue volcano in Iceland that has grounded tens of thousands of air flights is now being monitored for health purposes.

Officials from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Department of Health and Children are taking part in a Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning reviewing the possible health effects of the continuing volcanic ash plume from the Icelandic eruption.

However, the volcanic ash is not considered to be a significant risk to public health in Ireland.

Rainfall over Ireland could cause a small amount of the ash to be deposited but quantities are expected to be too small to cause health effects.

If the plume does drop towards the ground, the concentrations of particles at ground level are unlikely to cause significant effects on health.

Low concentrations of volcanic dust, which may contain low levels of sulphur dioxide, may also be present in the plume, although this is not expected to be a significant threat to public health.

If particles do reach ground level it is important to stress that the concentration of particles is likely to be low and should not cause serious harm.

Officials said that, in the unlikely event that people are outside and notice symptoms such as itchy or irritated eyes, runny nose, sore throat or dry cough, or if they notice a dusty haze in the air or can smell sulphur, rotten eggs, or a strong acidic smell, they may wish to limit their activities outdoors or return indoors.

Those with existing respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma may notice these effects more than others and should ensure they have any inhalers or other medications with them. Any such health effects are likely to be short term.

The EPA has a monitoring system in place for measuring particulate matter and sulphur dioxide in air which provides a guide as to how much of the dust reaches ground level and risk of exposure by the public.

(BMcC/GK)