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United Kingdom. Health Protection Agency - Latest update on the volcanic ash plume (4/19/10, edited)
United Kingdom. Health Protection Agency - Latest update on the volcanic ash plume (4/19/10, edited)
[Source: Health Protection Agency, United Kingdom, <cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1271256962654?p=1259152466069"></cite>HPA - Latest update on the volcanic ash plume. Edited.]
Latest update on the volcanic ash plume
19 April 2010
There is no change to current health protection advice following latest information provided by the Met Office about the plume of volcanic ash.
The ash continues to mix in different layers of the atmosphere with small amounts reaching ground level.
The Met Office has advised that no major changes in ground level air pollution concentrations are expected over the UK as a result of current weather patterns.
The HPA will continue to monitor all sources of available information and if there is any change to the current position which has new implications for public health then further health advice will be issued as necessary
It is likely that there will be rain in various parts of the UK and this may cause low concentrations of Icelandic volcanic ash to be deposited across the United Kingdom.
It is important to recognise that the volcanic ash poses no health threat in wet weather as the particles cannot be inhaled under these conditions.
In the event of rain it is anticipated that only very low concentrations of volcanic ash would be deposited in fields and towns and there are unlikely to be significant health effects among the general public when the rain dries.
However, because small quantities of volcanic ash could float back up into the air in windy conditions it would be sensible for people with existing respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma to ensure they 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 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.
Any such health effects are likely to be short term.
The Health Protection Agency, Health Protection Scotland, Public Health Wales, Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland and the Met Office will continue to monitor the situation and issue any further advice or updates as necessary.
Any enquiries on the likely duration of the ash plume over the UK should be addressed to the Met Office. Concerns about allotments and gardens should be addressed to the Food Standards Agency.
Media enquiries for the HPA contact: 01235 822876, 01235 822745, 07867 647083
Last reviewed: 19 April 2010
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[Source: Health Protection Agency, United Kingdom, <cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1271256962654?p=1259152466069"></cite>HPA - Latest update on the volcanic ash plume. Edited.]
Latest update on the volcanic ash plume
19 April 2010
There is no change to current health protection advice following latest information provided by the Met Office about the plume of volcanic ash.
The ash continues to mix in different layers of the atmosphere with small amounts reaching ground level.
The Met Office has advised that no major changes in ground level air pollution concentrations are expected over the UK as a result of current weather patterns.
The HPA will continue to monitor all sources of available information and if there is any change to the current position which has new implications for public health then further health advice will be issued as necessary
It is likely that there will be rain in various parts of the UK and this may cause low concentrations of Icelandic volcanic ash to be deposited across the United Kingdom.
It is important to recognise that the volcanic ash poses no health threat in wet weather as the particles cannot be inhaled under these conditions.
In the event of rain it is anticipated that only very low concentrations of volcanic ash would be deposited in fields and towns and there are unlikely to be significant health effects among the general public when the rain dries.
However, because small quantities of volcanic ash could float back up into the air in windy conditions it would be sensible for people with existing respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma to ensure they 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 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.
Any such health effects are likely to be short term.
The Health Protection Agency, Health Protection Scotland, Public Health Wales, Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland and the Met Office will continue to monitor the situation and issue any further advice or updates as necessary.
Any enquiries on the likely duration of the ash plume over the UK should be addressed to the Met Office. Concerns about allotments and gardens should be addressed to the Food Standards Agency.
Media enquiries for the HPA contact: 01235 822876, 01235 822745, 07867 647083
Last reviewed: 19 April 2010
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