Icelandic Volcano Prompts Health Warning From Scot Authorities

Scottish health authorities warned people Thursday to beware of possible health problems from ash falling to the ground over northern Britain following a volcano eruption in Iceland.

Among the spin-offs of the recent Icelandic volcano eruption is now a warning from Scottish health authorities. The latest is that the ash falling to the ground over northern Britain may lead to possible health problems.

The volcano fallout is unlikely to pose a major health risk, but people should watch out for symptoms including itchy eyes or a sore throat, said Health Protection Scotland.

Icelandic Volcano Attracts Daring Tourists
Iceland's active volcano attracts thrill seekers and tourists who risk their lives to catch the rumbling noise, the belching fumes and the overflowing lava from the volcano.

"Updated information on weather patterns in the UK now indicates that volcanic ash associated with the current eruption in Iceland will reach ground level over the UK, starting in Scotland this evening before moving south over the course of the night," said a Health Protection Scotland statement.

"It is important to stress that the concentration of particles which does reach ground level is likely to be low and should not cause serious harm."

But it said: "if people are outside this evening and notice symptoms such as itchy or irritated eyes, runny nose, sore throat or dry cough, or if they notice a dusty haze in the air or can smell sulphur, rotten eggs ... they may wish to limit their activities outdoors or return indoors."

Volcano Eruption Spurs Tourism Boom In Iceland
With lava still gushing Friday, a small Icelandic volcano that initially sent hundreds fleeing from their homes is turning into a boon for the island nation's tourism industry, as

The British Met Office however downplayed the risk, saying any ash that did fall to the ground would be barely visible.

"There's always been a small chance of it reaching the ground. It happened over the Shetland Islands for a time this afternoon when we had some very small deposits of dust," said Met Office forecaster John Hammond.

Thrill-seeking Tourists Atrracted to Philippine Volcano
Thousands of tourists are flocking to the Philippines' volatile Mayon volcano with many even risking their lives to get close to the spectacular flowing lava, authorities said Wednesday.

"Over the next few days or so, with winds as they are, there is a chance we will see some small deposits but these will be quite difficult to see.

"It might be easiest to see anything that comes out of the sky on cars because the amounts will be very small."

Volcano Deep Down Could Be Melting Greenland�s Ice
A thin spot in the Earth's crust is enabling underground magma to melt Greenland’s ice.

Fallout from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in southeast Iceland threw up a huge cloud of ash across northern Europe, prompting authorities to close the airspace in Britain and at least seven other countries.

Source-AFP
TAN