Iceland’s eruptions could have global consequences
Iceland’s Laki volcano erupted in 1783, freeing gases that turned into smog. The smog floated across the Jet Stream, changing weather patterns. Many died from gas poisoning in the British Isles. Crop production fell in western Europe. Famine spread. Some even linked the eruption, which helped fuel famine, to the French Revolution. Painters in the 18th century illustrated fiery sunsets in their works.
The winter of 1784 was also one of the longest and coldest on record in North America. New England reported a record stretch of below-zero temperatures and New Jersey reported record snow accumulation. TheMississippi River also reportedly froze in New Orleans.
“These are Hollywood-sort of scenarios but possible,” said Colin Macpherson, a geologist with the University of Durham. “As the melt rises, it’s a little like taking a cork out of a champagne bottle.”
UN health agency: Fallen volcano ash a health risk
Europeans should try to stay indoors if ash from Iceland’s volcano starts settling, the World Health Organization warned Friday as small amounts of ash fell in Iceland, Scotland and Norway.
WHO spokesman David Epstein said the microscopic ash is potentially dangerous for people when it starts to reach the Earth because inhaled particles can enter the lungs and cause respiratory problems.
“We’re very concerned about it,” Epstein said. “These particles when inhaled can reach the peripheral regions of … the lungs and can cause problems — especially for people with asthma or respiratory problems.”
The Icelandic volcano that erupted Wednesday has sent an enormous cloud of microscopic ash particles across northern Europe, grounding aircraft across continent. It is drifting above 20,000 feet (6,000 meters), high and invisible from the ground.
Epstein said for the most part the cloud remained high in the atmosphere.
“But when they do settle … we would recommend that people stay indoors as much as possible,” Epstein told reporters in Geneva.
Those who venture outside might want to consider a mask, he said, adding that WHO doesn’t fully understand the health risks associated with the ash cloud and was trying to learn more. The agency is closely monitoring the situation, he said.
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