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United Kingdom. Heath Protection Agency - Health Advice following predicted grounding of Icelandic volcanic plume in the United Kingdom (April 16, 2010, edited)
United Kingdom. Heath Protection Agency - Health Advice following predicted grounding of Icelandic volcanic plume in the United Kingdom (April 16, 2010, edited)
[Source Health Protection Agency, United Kingdom, <cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1271256681948?p=1259152466069">HPA - Health Advice following predicted grounding of Icelandic volcanic plume in the United Kingdom</cite>. Edited.]
Health Advice following predicted grounding of Icelandic volcanic plume in the United Kingdom
15 April 2010
Updated information received from the Met Office on weather patterns in the UK now indicates that a small fraction of the Icelandic volcanic plume is likely to reach ground level over the UK tonight and tomorrow morning, and low levels of sulphur dioxide are expected in the plume
Based on this, the Health Protection Agency in conjunction with Health Protection Scotland and the Met Office has provided updated information for the public.
It is important to stress that the concentration of particles which may reach ground level is likely to be low and should not cause serious harm. If people are outside this evening 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 Health Protection Agency, Health Protection Scotland and the Met Office will continue to monitor the situation and issue any further advice or updates as necessary as the weather changes.
Low concentrations of volcanic dust, which may contain low levels of sulphur dioxide, are also expected to ground with the plume, although this is not expected to be a significant threat to public health.
Any enquiries on the likely duration of the ash plume over the UK should be addressed to the Met Office.
Media enquiries for the HPA contact: 01235-822876, 01235-822745, 07867-647083
Last reviewed: 15 April 2010
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[Source Health Protection Agency, United Kingdom, <cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1271256681948?p=1259152466069">HPA - Health Advice following predicted grounding of Icelandic volcanic plume in the United Kingdom</cite>. Edited.]
Health Advice following predicted grounding of Icelandic volcanic plume in the United Kingdom
15 April 2010
Updated information received from the Met Office on weather patterns in the UK now indicates that a small fraction of the Icelandic volcanic plume is likely to reach ground level over the UK tonight and tomorrow morning, and low levels of sulphur dioxide are expected in the plume
Based on this, the Health Protection Agency in conjunction with Health Protection Scotland and the Met Office has provided updated information for the public.
It is important to stress that the concentration of particles which may reach ground level is likely to be low and should not cause serious harm. If people are outside this evening 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 Health Protection Agency, Health Protection Scotland and the Met Office will continue to monitor the situation and issue any further advice or updates as necessary as the weather changes.
Low concentrations of volcanic dust, which may contain low levels of sulphur dioxide, are also expected to ground with the plume, although this is not expected to be a significant threat to public health.
Any enquiries on the likely duration of the ash plume over the UK should be addressed to the Met Office.
Media enquiries for the HPA contact: 01235-822876, 01235-822745, 07867-647083
Last reviewed: 15 April 2010
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