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On the picture to your left is a labelled diagram of a volcanic eruption. If you breath in this intoxicating air, your lungs would get full of ash and you would die.
Going near a volcano is extremely dangerous. Volcanoes could be Active, Dormant or Asleep. You just cant tell when they will erupt next. If you tried to run, while the volcano is throwing out hot rocks you would get hit by one.
Be aware.The term "volcano" has its origin from the name of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. However, volcanoes are a result of processes of the earth much older than Roman mythology. While volcanoes may be fun to construct for science class or watch on television, the real consequences of volcanic eruptions can be harmful and serious. Some of these consequences include fires, structure damage, and differences in climate. One of the most deadly effects of a volcano is the ash coming from the eruption, which carries poisonous gases that are harmful to humans, plants, and animals alike.
Going near a volcano is extremely dangerous. Volcanoes could be Active, Dormant or Asleep. You just cant tell when they will erupt next. If you tried to run, while the volcano is throwing out hot rocks you would get hit by one.
Be aware.The term "volcano" has its origin from the name of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. However, volcanoes are a result of processes of the earth much older than Roman mythology. While volcanoes may be fun to construct for science class or watch on television, the real consequences of volcanic eruptions can be harmful and serious. Some of these consequences include fires, structure damage, and differences in climate. One of the most deadly effects of a volcano is the ash coming from the eruption, which carries poisonous gases that are harmful to humans, plants, and animals alike.
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Volcanic ash contaminates the biosphere through inhalation by humans and animals, and can also effect crops growing in an area with large amounts of ash. When inhaled, the fibers are deposited in air passages and on lung cells. To your left is a picture of silicosis of the lung.
Impacts on Human Health
Inhalation of volcanic ash can be very detrimental to human health, due to the harmful aerosols and poisonous gases the ash is made up of. Health effects inlcude respiratory problems, eye problems, and skin irritiation.
1. Respiratory symptoms (short-term)
Volcanic ash can also contaminate the water supply.
Sources: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash/health/index.html; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_ash#Human_and_Animal_Health
Prevention or Mitigation
Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid and protect yourself againsts the dangers of volcanic ash. Precautions for the general public as published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are outlined below:
Impacts on Human Health
Inhalation of volcanic ash can be very detrimental to human health, due to the harmful aerosols and poisonous gases the ash is made up of. Health effects inlcude respiratory problems, eye problems, and skin irritiation.
1. Respiratory symptoms (short-term)
- runny nose
- sore throat/coughing
- wheezing/shortness of breath
- possible bronchitus
- may become itchy or bloodshot
- corneal abrasions or scratches
- can result in conjunctivitis
- tearings
Volcanic ash can also contaminate the water supply.
Sources: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash/health/index.html; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_ash#Human_and_Animal_Health
Prevention or Mitigation
Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid and protect yourself againsts the dangers of volcanic ash. Precautions for the general public as published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are outlined below:
- wear protective clothing, goggles, and dust masks
- seal buildings
- those with pre-existing respiratory conditions should stay inside or evacuate
- it is recommended to stay inside in general
- wet any dust and ash particles to prevent movement
- when driving, keep a proper distance in between cars due to reduced visibility
- avoid exertion, since heavy breathing leads to deeper inhalation of particles into the lungs