1. Volcanic air pollution and human health: recent advances and future directions
- Author
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Stewart, C, Damby, DE, Horwell, CJ, Elias, T, Ilyinskaya, E, Tomašek, I, Longo, BM, Schmidt, A, Carlsen, HK, Mason, E, Baxter, PJ, Cronin, S, Witham, C, Stewart, C [0000-0002-3781-6308], Damby, DE [0000-0002-3238-3961], Horwell, CJ [0000-0002-0148-6933], Elias, T [0000-0002-9592-4518], Ilyinskaya, E [0000-0002-3663-9506], Tomašek, I [0000-0003-3743-6628], Longo, BM [0000-0003-0502-3749], Schmidt, Anja [0000-0001-8759-2843], Carlsen, HK [0000-0003-1656-9624], Mason, Emily [0000-0002-7050-6475], Baxter, PJ [0000-0001-8700-1249], Cronin, S [0000-0001-7499-603X], Witham, C [0000-0001-5037-6987], Apollo - University of Cambridge Repository, School of Health Sciences, Massey University, U.S. Geological Survey, Volcano Science Center, Durham University, University of Leeds, Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans (LMV), Institut national des sciences de l'Univers (INSU - CNRS)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement et la société-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA)-Observatoire de Physique du Globe de Clermont-Ferrand (OPGC), Institut national des sciences de l'Univers (INSU - CNRS)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA)-Institut national des sciences de l'Univers (INSU - CNRS)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA), Orvis School of Nursing, University of Nevada, University of Cambridge [UK] (CAM), University of Iceland [Reykjavik], University of Gothenburg (GU), Department of Earth Sciences [University of Cambridge], Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, School of Geography and Environmental Science University of Auckland, UK METOFFICE EXETER GBR, Partenaires IRSTEA, Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l'environnement et l'agriculture (IRSTEA)-Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l'environnement et l'agriculture (IRSTEA), ANR-16-IDEX-0001,CAP 20-25,CAP 20-25(2016), Schmidt, A [0000-0001-8759-2843], and Mason, E [0000-0002-7050-6475]
- Subjects
2 Aetiology ,Volcanic emissions ,Air pollution ,37 Earth Sciences ,3705 Geology ,Review ,Looking Backwards and Forwards in Volcanology: A Collection of Perspectives on the Trajectory of a Science ,3703 Geochemistry ,Risk management ,[SDU]Sciences of the Universe [physics] ,Geochemistry and Petrology ,2.2 Factors relating to the physical environment ,Climate-Related Exposures and Conditions ,Generic health relevance ,Health effects ,Perspectives ,Health hazard assessment - Abstract
Volcanic air pollution from both explosive and effusive activity can affect large populations as far as thousands of kilometers away from the source, for days to decades or even centuries. Here, we summarize key advances and prospects in the assessment of health hazards, effects, risk, and management. Recent advances include standardized ash assessment methods to characterize the multiple physicochemical characteristics that might influence toxicity; the rise of community-based air quality monitoring networks using low-cost gas and particulate sensors; the development of forecasting methods for ground-level concentrations and associated public advisories; the development of risk and impact assessment methods to explore health consequences of future eruptions; and the development of evidence-based, locally specific measures for health protection. However, it remains problematic that the health effects of many major and sometimes long-duration eruptions near large populations have gone completely unmonitored. Similarly, effects of prolonged degassing on exposed populations have received very little attention relative to explosive eruptions. Furthermore, very few studies have longitudinally followed populations chronically exposed to volcanic emissions; thus, knowledge gaps remain about whether chronic exposures can trigger development of potentially fatal diseases. Instigating such studies will be facilitated by continued co-development of standardized protocols, supporting local study teams and procuring equipment, funding, and ethical permissions. Relationship building between visiting researchers and host country academic, observatory, and agency partners is vital and can, in turn, support the effective communication of health impacts of volcanic air pollution to populations, health practitioners, and emergency managers.
- Published
- 2022
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