Following a volcanic eruption in Iceland, a huge cloud of sulphur dioxide has spread across Great Britain. Britons are being warned about the health risks of inhaling it.
Weather maps show that the corrosive and acidic gas cloud is moving towards Great Britain – and could lead to a deterioration in air quality.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) can cause respiratory problems such as bronchitis. Symptoms include sore throat, cough, runny nose, burning eyes, tightness in the lungs and difficulty breathing.
SO2 is produced by the combustion of sulfur-containing fossil fuels.
Following a volcanic eruption in Iceland, a huge cloud of sulphur dioxide has spread across Great Britain. Britons are being warned about the health risks of inhaling it.Windy.com/GettyVolcanoes can produce large amounts of it when they erupt – and in this case the gas came from the eruption of a new fissure on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Thursday.
Prof. Simon Carn posted a warning about the poisonous gas on social media.
The Michigan Technological University professor wrote: “Another load of volcanic SO₂ is on its way to the UK/Ireland, caused by the recent eruption on the Icelandic peninsula #Reykjanes.
“Could cause some local air quality impacts in the coming days.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Weather maps show that the corrosive and acidic gas cloud is moving towards the UK – and may cause a deterioration in air quality
Windy.com
The colorless gas has an odor similar to that of a freshly lit match and can cause stinging pain, redness and blistering if it comes into contact with the skin.
Direct SO2 exposure is associated with asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Older people were warned that they were “particularly at risk” from inhaling SO2.
On Thursday, the sixth volcanic eruption since last December occurred on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland.
Volcanoes can produce large amounts of it when they erupt – and in this case the gas came from the eruption of a new fissure on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Thursday.
Getty
In June, experts said a non-explosive rupture in Iceland may have caused an “unprecedented” rise in SO2 levels in Edinburgh, not seen since the 1970s.
Following the volcanic eruptions, the British received a new travel warning for Iceland.
The FCDO said: “Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common in Iceland. Recently there have been a number of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland, the most recent on 22 August.”
“They have affected the town of Grindavik and the area north of it.
“The Icelandic authorities advise avoiding this area. All roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed.”
