Health hazards from volcanic gases: a systematic literature review

Millions of people are potentially exposed to volcanic gases worldwide, and exposures may differ from those in anthropogenic air pollution. A systematic literature review found few primary studies relating to health hazards of volcanic gases. S[O.sub.2] and acid aerosols from eruptions and degassing events were associated with respiratory morbidity and mortality but not childhood asthma prevalence or lung function decrements. Accumulations of [H.sub.2]S and COs from volcanic and geothermal sources have caused fatalities from asphyxiation. Chronic exposure to [H.sub.2]S in geothermal areas was associated with increases in nervous system and respiratory diseases. Some impacts were on a large scale, affecting several countries (e.g., Laki fissure eruption in Iceland in 1783-4). No studies on health effects of volcanic releases of halogen gases or metal vapors were located. More high quality collaborative studies involving volcanologists and epidemiologists are recommended.
AT LEAST 455 million people worldwide live within potential exposure range of a volcano that has been active within recorded history. (1) Volcanoes and geothermal areas are associated with emissions [...]