WHO Says Europeans May Be at Health Risk From Volcano
Whether or not Europeans should be concerned about inhaling the ash from Icelands volcano depends on whom you ask.
A spokesman for the World Health Organization says the agency is very concerned about the potential health effects of ash that drifts down to ground level, the Associated Press reports. In fact, he advises that a mask might be appropriate for Europeans who venture outside in areas where ash is reaching the ground.
But other experts are more sanguine, favorably comparing volcanic ash to cigarette smoke or plain old pollution. Not all particles are created equal, Ken Donaldson, professor of respiratory toxicology at the University of Edinburgh, told the AP. He says only those who are very close to the volcano itself are likely at risk. Another expert says as the particles travel, theyre diluted and rendered less harmful.
The British Health Protection Agency says there is no change to current health protection advice and that not much ash is reaching the ground. The plume is currently temporarily leaving Scotland, swinging over Scandinavia and returning to southern England, with a fresh plume expected over Scotland later in the weekend, it says in a statement.
If ash mixes with rain and then dries on the ground, […]
Read more this great post here
