Experts Differ On Health Risk of Volcanic Ash

The World Health Organization warned Europeans that they should stay indoors as small quantities of the ash from Iceland’s volcano fell in countries like Norway, Scotland and Iceland.

Daniel Epstein, WHO’s spokesperson said that the ash, which is microscopic, is dangerous, especially when it reaches Earth. When inhaled, particles of the ash could potentially cause respiratory issues, he said.

He also stated that those already suffering from respiratory problems such as asthma was at a higher level of risk, and recommended that those who did consider venturing outside should wear a mask.

Other medical experts however do not seem to think that the volcanic ash posed any serious threat to people and some even referred to WHO warnings as ‘hysterical’. They went on to say that the ash was not even as dangerous as pollution and cigarette smoke.

Volcanic ash is extremely fine and made of particles of volcanic rock that is fragmented. Ranging from a light gray to black in colour, this ash, when inhaled, can cause a certain amount of irritation in the lungs. However, experts say that the ash, falls from a greater distance in Europe, like for instance from the cloud lingering above – and thus say that health risks are minimal and pose no great danger.

Ken Donaldson, a professor of respiratory toxicology at the University of Edinburgh who has also carried out several studies into the impact of volcanic ash on humans confirmed that volcanic ash was not exactly harmful to humans. He said that the effect was negligible and those at risk were only people located close to the vicinity of the volcano.