-Automatic translation

The Chief Epidemiologist draws attention to an educational brochure for the public regarding Health hazards due to air pollution from volcanic eruptions. The guidlines are a collaborative project of various organizations. In it, you can find information about the effects of air pollution on human health and information on how best to protect yourself against air pollution due to volcanic eruptions.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office publishes a gas pollution forecast and a forecast model that shows sulfur pollution (SO2 and SO4) in built-up areas for the next 48 hours. The Environment Agency monitors air quality and maintains the website loftgaedi.is, where you can find information on air quality in urban areas and responses to air pollution from volcanic eruptions.

Pregnant women, children, and people aged 60 and older, as well as people with asthma and other lung diseases, or cardiovascular diseases, are more sensitive to gas pollution, and it is therefore important that those people pay special attention to air quality and gas pollution forecasts, stay indoors as much as possible, close windows and avoid outdoor exercise if gas contamination is imminent. This is especially true for Reykjanes and the capital area, but gas pollution could extend further.

Individuals with lung diseases, e.g. seasonal allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are especially encouraged to use the coping strategies they have and to seek advice from their doctor or healthcare provider regarding the use of medication.

Individuals belonging to the above groups are strongly advised not to walk to the volcanic eruption.

Children are generally more sensitive than adults to air pollution; children breathe differently than adults, both faster and the volume of air they inhale is proportionally greater than that of adults. In addition, children generally breathe less through the nose than through the mouth. Children have therefore been given the benefit of the doubt and their risks are defined as individuals with underlying diseases. In addition, children are shorter than adults and therefore more prone to being exposed to a gas that accumulates near the ground.

The chief of police in Suðurnes decides on access, and it is important that those who plan to visit familiarize themselves with information about access, dangers, and the hiking trails that are open before setting off. Such information is usually published in police commissioner's notices.

The Chief Epidemiologist