Health effects with volcanic ash - 22/04/2010

The Government's Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a statement regarding the health effects of the Icelandic volcanic ash plume currently trapped in the atmosphere above the UK.

The HPA said the plume of volcanic ash is not a significant risk to public health because it is mainly at high altitude. It also said that even if the plume were to drop towards the ground, the concentrations of particles at ground level were not likely to cause significant effects on health.

Rainfall over the UK could cause a small amount of the ash to be deposited over the country but quantities are expected to be too small to cause health effects. However, because small quantities of volcanic ash could float back up into the air in windy conditions, the HPA is advising people with existing respiratory conditions to keep their inhalers or other medications with them.

If 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 or smelly haze in the air, they may wish to limit their activities outdoors or return indoors. The HPA said any such health effects were likely to be short term.