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WHO: Patients with respiratory conditions more susceptible to effects of ash (April 16, 2010, edited)
WHO: Patients with respiratory conditions more susceptible to effects of ash (April 16, 2010, edited)
[Source: World Health Organization, <cite cite="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2010/volcanic_ash_20100416/en/index.html">WHO | WHO: Patients with respiratory conditions more susceptible to effects of ash</cite>. Edited.]
WHO: Patients with respiratory conditions more susceptible to effects of ash
16 APRIL, 2010 | GENEVA
The ash cloud from the volcanic explosion in Iceland contains fine particles, similar to those emitted from other sources of particulate matter (PM); but as long as ash remains in the upper atmosphere, there will not likely be an increased risk of health effects, according to WHO.
"Particulate matter is identified according to its diameter. The small particulates less than 10 microns in size are more dangerous because they can penetrate deeper into the lungs," says Dr Maria Neira, Director of Public Health and Environment Department at WHO.
Analysis of the ash is ongoing and so far it is estimated about 25% of the particles are less than 10 microns in size.
People with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, emphysema or bronchitis may be more susceptible to irritation if ash is in the lower atmosphere in high concentrations.
"Since the ash concentration may vary from country to country depending on the wind and air temperatures, our advice is to listen to local public health officials for the best guidance for individual situations," says Neira. "If people are outside and notice irritation in their throat and lungs, a runny nose or itchy eyes, they should return indoors and limit their outdoor activities."
In case of increased air pollution, normal precautions are advised, i.e. avoidance of strenuous exercise by people with asthma and respiratory symptoms in days with high air pollution.
WHO will remain in contact with experts monitoring air quality in the affected region, and advises people to follow the latest guidance from their local health officials.
For more information please contact:
Nada Osseiran
Communications Officer
WHO, Geneva
Telephone: +41 22 791 4475
Mobile: +41 79 445 1624
E-mail: osseirann@who.int
Dan Epstein
Information Officer
WHO, Geneva
Mobile: +41 79 476 7027
E-mail: epsteinda@who.int
Christy Feig
Director of Communications
WHO, Geneva
Telephone: +41 22 791 3075
Mobile: +41 79 251 7055
E-mail: feigc@who.int
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[Source: World Health Organization, <cite cite="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2010/volcanic_ash_20100416/en/index.html">WHO | WHO: Patients with respiratory conditions more susceptible to effects of ash</cite>. Edited.]
WHO: Patients with respiratory conditions more susceptible to effects of ash
16 APRIL, 2010 | GENEVA
The ash cloud from the volcanic explosion in Iceland contains fine particles, similar to those emitted from other sources of particulate matter (PM); but as long as ash remains in the upper atmosphere, there will not likely be an increased risk of health effects, according to WHO.
"Particulate matter is identified according to its diameter. The small particulates less than 10 microns in size are more dangerous because they can penetrate deeper into the lungs," says Dr Maria Neira, Director of Public Health and Environment Department at WHO.
Analysis of the ash is ongoing and so far it is estimated about 25% of the particles are less than 10 microns in size.
People with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, emphysema or bronchitis may be more susceptible to irritation if ash is in the lower atmosphere in high concentrations.
"Since the ash concentration may vary from country to country depending on the wind and air temperatures, our advice is to listen to local public health officials for the best guidance for individual situations," says Neira. "If people are outside and notice irritation in their throat and lungs, a runny nose or itchy eyes, they should return indoors and limit their outdoor activities."
In case of increased air pollution, normal precautions are advised, i.e. avoidance of strenuous exercise by people with asthma and respiratory symptoms in days with high air pollution.
WHO will remain in contact with experts monitoring air quality in the affected region, and advises people to follow the latest guidance from their local health officials.
For more information please contact:
Nada Osseiran
Communications Officer
WHO, Geneva
Telephone: +41 22 791 4475
Mobile: +41 79 445 1624
E-mail: osseirann@who.int
Dan Epstein
Information Officer
WHO, Geneva
Mobile: +41 79 476 7027
E-mail: epsteinda@who.int
Christy Feig
Director of Communications
WHO, Geneva
Telephone: +41 22 791 3075
Mobile: +41 79 251 7055
E-mail: feigc@who.int
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