Due to the volcanic eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull, the National Health Service has included information and instructions on protection against the volcanic ash. They are the following:

 

Acute health effects of soda ash

At the moment, there is a lot of ash from a volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökull. The ash is composed of fine particles and larger particles. Wind direction and other conditions determine where the ash falls. A chemical analysis of the ash has not been received yet, but it is known that ash from the volcanoes from there can contain a lot of fluorine, which can have both acute and chronic toxic effects on herbivores. Soda ash can also affect people, but the main symptoms are from:
Respiratory system:
  • Runny nose and nasal irritation
  • Sore throat and cough
  • People suffering from lung diseases such as asthma can have bronchitis that lasts for days and is characterized by coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Eyes:

Soda ash can irritate your eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses. The main characteristics are:

  • Foreign object sensation
  • Eye discharge, itching, bloodshot eyes
  • Discharge and lacrimation
  • File on the retina
  • Acute eye inflammation, photophobia

Advice for people experiencing ashfall:
  • Use respiratory masks outdoors. It is recommended to use protective clothing.
  • If respirators are not available, a handkerchief or other clothing that keeps larger particles out can be used
  • Recommended to use protective glasses
  • Children and adults with respiratory diseases should stay indoors

Epidemiologist
Public Safety Department of the National Police


Head.: UN