Potentially Hazardous Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on the Health of Older Adults
Volcanic eruptions usually release into the atmosphere millions of tons of ash that includes hazardous particulate matter. Small particles - those less than 10 micrometers in diameter - pose the greatest health concern because they can pass through the nose and throat and get deep into the lungs. The particle size ranges from fine particles, with diameters less than 2.5 micrometers, and coarse particles, which range in size from 2.5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. Particles larger than 10 micrometers do not usually reach your lungs, but they can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. Similarly, vast quantities of hazardous gases are released from volcanoes; especially, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen fluoride. The power of those pollutants to trigger acute health effects is particularly likely to be manifested among older adults.
Adverse Effects of Volcanic Ash on Health
The most frequent health problems that occur among people who have been exposed to volcanic ash are respiratory, stress and irritations of eyes and skin. Adults who are in good health are not likely to suffer serious health effects [they could suffer effects that they and we would consider to be adverse] from exposures that last no longer than a few hours or days. Those who have lung disease (asthma, bronchitis, emphysema) should take precautions to avoid aggravation of their disease. Older adults and children are in the age groups that are most sensitive to the detrimental effects of volcanic ash.
Vulnerability of Older Adults
The older population displays a significantly higher frequency of respiratory, visual, cutaneous, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases than do other age groups. Although all of those organs are potentially vulnerable to volcanic pollutants, it is the respiratory, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases that are most likely to be exacerbated by exposure of the elderly to volcanic ash. The elevated incidence of cardiovascular events among the older adult population present at different sites of volcanic eruptions has been reported several times. 1, 2
If Exposed to Volcanic Ash
If you are exposed to volcanic ash, shower and dispose of contaminated clothing. No matter how carefully it is done, clean-up is likely to generate airborne fine and coarse particles that can cause health problems.
Protection from Volcanic Ash
Older adults who are in danger of being exposed to volcanic emissions should take the following steps to protect themselves. 1
- Remain indoors: The most common advisory issued during a smoke episode is to stay indoors. The usefulness of this strategy depends on how well the building limits smoke from coming in from outdoors and on minimizing indoor pollution sources. Staying indoors may therefore provide some protection, especially in a tightly closed, air-conditioned home in which the air conditioner re-circulates indoor air. Generally, newer homes are "tighter" and keep ambient air pollution out more effectively than older homes. Staying inside with the doors and windows closed can usually reduce exposure to ambient air pollution by about a third or more.
- Pay attention to local air quality reports and stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings related to smoke.
- Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast for your area. The AQI, based on data from local air quality monitors, tells you about the daily air quality in your area and recommends precautions you can take to protect your health. As smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air changes - and so do the steps you should take to protect yourself. Visit AIRNow for local forecast and conditions.
- Reduce activity: Reducing physical activity is an effective strategy to lower the dose of inhaled air pollutants and reduce health risks during a smoke event. During exercise, people can increase their air intake as much as 10 to 20 times over their resting level. Increased breathing rates bring more pollution deep into the lungs.
- Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution: Many indoor sources of air pollution can emit large amounts of pollutants, some of which are also present in smoke. Smoking cigarettes, using gas, propane and wood-burning stoves and furnaces, spraying aerosol products, frying or broiling meat, burning candles and incense, and vacuuming can all increase particle levels in a home and should be avoided when smoke is present.
- Run your air conditioner, if you have one: Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.2
- Use room air cleaners: Room air cleaners can reduce particle levels indoors. Choosing to buy an air cleaner is a decision that ideally should be made before a particle levels get high. When particle levels are high, it may be hazardous to go outside or drive in an attempt to locate an appropriate device, which may be in short supply. It is unlikely that local health officials will be able to buy or supply air cleaners to those who might need them.
- Avoid ozone generators: Some devices, known as ozone generators, personal air purifiers, "super-oxygen" air purifiers, and "pure air" generators, are sold as air cleaners, but the position of public health agencies, including the California Air Resources Board and U.S. EPA, is that they do more harm than good. These devices are designed to intentionally produce large amounts of ozone gas, which the manufacturers claim can remove mold and bacteria from the air. But this occurs only when ozone is released at levels many times higher than those that are known to harm human health.
If you must go outside: If you or your family must be outdoors when there is ash in the air, they should wear a disposable mask. If no disposable masks are available, make-shift masks can be made by moistening fabric such as handkerchiefs to help to block out large ash particles. Volcanic ash can irritate the skin; long-sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn if children must go outdoors.
1 Fano V., Cernigliaro A., Scondotto S., Cuccia M., Forastiere, F., Nicolosi, A., Oliveri, C., Scillieri, R., Distefano, P., and Perucci, C.A. 2002. Health effects of environmental contamination due to volcanic ash of Mount Etna in autumn 2002. Epidemiol Prev, 29: 180-7
2 Longo, B.M. 2009. The Kilauea volcano adult health study. Nurs Res, 58: 23-31
Note: Many of the above recommendations are form the Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials Revised July 2008 (PDF) (53 pp, 1.32 MB, About PDF)