Volcanic air pollution and human health: recent advances and future directions

• DOI: 10.1007/s00445-021-01513-9
• Publication Date: 2021-12-21T10:02:51Z
• Authors: Carol Stewart; David E. Damby; Claire J. Horwell; Tamar Elias; Evgenia Ilyinskaya; Ines Tomašek; Bernadette M. Longo; Anja Schmidt; Hanne Krage Carlsen; Emily Mason; Peter J. Baxter; Shane Cronin; Claire Witham
• Keywords: Volcanic ash

Abstract Volcanic air pollution from both explosive and effusive activity can affect large populations as far thousands of kilometers away the source, for days to decades or even centuries. Here, we summarize key advances prospects in assessment health hazards, effects, risk, management. Recent include standardized ash methods characterize multiple physicochemical characteristics that might influence toxicity; rise community-based quality monitoring networks using low-cost gas particulate sensors; development forecasting ground-level concentrations associated public advisories; risk impact explore consequences future eruptions; evidence-based, locally specific measures protection. However, it remains problematic effects many major sometimes long-duration eruptions near have gone completely unmonitored. Similarly, prolonged degassing on exposed received very little attention relative eruptions. Furthermore, few studies longitudinally followed chronically volcanic emissions; thus, knowledge gaps remain about whether chronic exposures trigger potentially fatal diseases. Instigating such will be facilitated by continued co-development protocols, supporting local study teams procuring equipment, funding, ethical permissions. Relationship building between visiting researchers host country academic, observatory, agency partners is vital can, turn, support effective communication impacts populations, practitioners, emergency managers.