Reducing the Risk of Lung Disease After Volcanic Eruptions
Medical studies have been linking airborne volcanic ash to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and silicosis for many years. Now a researcher at Durham University, United Kingdom, has developed a method for minimizing those potential health risks for victims of future eruptions.
Dr Claire Howell, of Durham’s Institute of Hazard and Risk Research, used precision laser technology to analyze the size of volcanic ash grains in samples collected from volcano sites around the world. Her studies revealed there was a strong correlation between the ratios of different-sized particles.
Particle size is critical to determining the health threat posed by the ash because only the finest particles are small enough to enter the lungs and cause damage.
Using the data obtained, Dr Howell developed a formula which allows emergency response teams to quickly estimate the hazard level of ash at each location. The risk assessment can be done quickly at the volcano site using an inexpensive sieving technique that doesn’t require any high-tech equipment.
As coordinator of the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network, Dr Howell hopes her technique will help determine appropriate response measures in communities impacted by volcanic activity.
Results of the research have been published in the Journal of Environmental Monitoring. As one public health expert explained,
“This paper will encourage volcanologists to provide a fuller profile of the grain sizes of erupted ash on a routine basis and, most importantly, to be more able to support multi-disciplinary responses to the human impacts of ash falls in future volcanic eruptions, especially in developing countries.”
Dr Peter Baxter
Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge
Approximately 70 volcanic eruptions occur worldwide each year.
Source: Durham University News & Events
Related Links: ScienceDaily; whatsyourrq.org; Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation; International Fund for Animal Welfare
Related Video: Volcano Forces Evacuation from National Geographic News
Related Podcast: Russian volcano calming down after massive eruption from Alaska Public Radio Network
Tags: natural disasters; crystalline silica; iron-catalysed free radicals
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