Volcanic Gas Pollution Forecast in Capital Area Today

mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon

Vala Hafstað

The Icelandic Met Office predicts that the area of dispersion of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfate (SO4) from the eruptions site by Fagradalsfjall mountain, Southwest Iceland, will include the capital area today, Morgunblaðið reports.

While these can be harmful at high levels, they are only expected to be at low levels today. Young children, asthma patients and others with respiratory problems might experience some symptoms temporarily, states Helgi Guðjónsson, representative at the Reykjavík Public Health Authority, but only if the level of SO2 exceeds 350 μg/m3.

“If [the level] exceeds 350 μg/m3, some individuals who are sensitive could potentially experience symptoms – most likely respiratory irritation,” he states.

When in doubt, you can always look up the gas dispersion at vedur.is, and you can look up the ambient air quality at loftgaedi.is.

The website of the Environment Agency recommends that when the levels of SO2 exceed 350 μg/m3, people should limit strenuous activity outdoors if they experience symptoms. At such levels, babies should not sleep in buggies outdoors. Older children should avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

For future reference, you can consult these guidelines, compiled by the Directorate of Health.

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