Iceland volcano chaos: British Health chiefs say stay inside if breathing is a problem

[Turborama]

Source: The Mirror (UK)

Health chiefs in Britain warned of the dangers of breathing in volcanic ash yesterday as the dust began to fall across the country.

People with breathing difficulties, such as asthma, were advised not to go outside if they see ash settling. If they have to venture out they should wear a mask, said experts.

The World Health Organisation initially sparked confusion when it admitted it did not know the precise risks presented by the ash cloud and urged everyone to stay inside. It later revised its advice in line with the British health experts, but a spokesman insisted the microscopic dust could still be "dangerous".

He added: "We're very concerned about it. These particles, when inhaled, can reach the peripheral regions of the lungs and can cause problems - especially for people with asthma or respiratory problems."

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/04/17/iceland-volcano-chaos-health-chiefs-say-stay-inside-if-breathing-is-a-problem-115875-22191667/

---

There are reports of the ash starting to settle across Britain, too.

Of course, Faux take the fear monger angle with this headline...


http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,591164,00.html">Doctor: Volcanic Dust Cloud Increases Risk of Death

-

[fasttense]

1. I wonder what all that dust will do to the farm lands and gardens? n/t

[northernlights]

2. they had advised that farmers keep livestock indoors

but unless they have good hay supplies, they may only be able to do that for a short time.

Eventually, a good soaking rain or too will wash the ash into the soil. That may actually be beneficial if they suffer from acid rain at all -- will save them a round or two of having to lime their pastures and gardens.

[tabatha]

4. If not too thick, it could have positive effects.

[aquart]

3. Lower Manhattan was covered in ash after 9/11.

I went from needing my inhaler 3or 4 times a YEAR to 3 or 4 times a WEEK for the next five years. Ash ain't nice. The good news is my inhaler use is now back to normal so, for me, there wasn't any permanent damage. I live 32 blocks from Ground Zero and my area never got the snow-like coverage of ash that was visible up to Canal Street. But we could smell the air for weeks so we knew the particles were there.

[tabatha]

5. Fires in California

were also bad - layers of ash on everything; took winter rain to eventually settle it.