The population of the UK was urged to stay indoors on Sunday (25 August) under a health warning as clouds of corrosive and acidic gases blanketed the skies over the UK early in the morning.
The country’s weather maps showed that at 4 a.m. local time, a huge cloud of sulphur dioxide (SO2) covered the skies over the country after being released during recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland.
SO2 is produced when crude oil or coal is burned. But volcanoes also produce it in large quantities when they erupt.
People who inhale this gas may experience symptoms such as sore throat, cough, runny nose, burning eyes, tightness in the lungs, and difficulty breathing.
Some people may also suffer from asthma and chronic bronchitis due to direct exposure to SO2.
This gas emitted from coal caused the infamous London smog of 1952, which resulted in thousands of deaths from respiratory diseases.
In combination with water vapor present in the Earth’s atmosphere, SO2 leads to the formation of acid rain.
Young children and the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable to inhaling SO2, have been advised to avoid contact with the gas and to remain indoors.
People in Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon evacuated after volcanic eruption
The dangerous smog travelled from Iceland to London after being released by a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula near Grindavik on Thursday (22 August).
The eruption was expected due to ongoing seismic activity in the region and pressure changes in boreholes.
Rescue teams were reportedly called in Reykjanes and Olfus and thousands of residents in Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon were evacuated.
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Local authorities have asked residents to stay away from the area for their own safety.
An international team of scientists analyzed lava samples and seismic data recorded during eruptions over the past three years.
It was discovered that the peninsula has an interconnected magma pipeline system that can supply volcanoes with molten rock.
Valentin Troll, professor of petrology at Uppsala University and lead author of the study, said: “Comparing these eruptions with historical events provides strong evidence that Iceland needs to prepare and be ready for this volcanic episode to continue for some time, possibly even years or decades.”
(With contributions from agencies)
