title: A survey of early health effects of the Eyjafjallajokull 2010 eruption in Iceland: a population-based study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To estimate physical and mental health effects of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption on nearby residents.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted on 14 April 2010. The eruption lasted for about 6 weeks and was explosive, ejecting some 8 million tons of fine particles into the atmosphere. Due to prevailing winds, the ash spread mostly to the south and south-east, first over the rural region to the south, later over the Atlantic Ocean and Europe, closing European air space for several days.
  
  
  METHODS
  Residents (n=207) of the most ash-exposed rural area south and east of the volcano.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study period was from 31 May to 11 June 2010. Participants were examined by a physician. To ascertain respiratory health, standardised spirometry was performed before and after the use of a bronchodilator. All adult participants answered questionnaires about mental and physical health, their children's health and the use of protective equipment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Every other adult participant reported irritation in eyes and upper airway when exposed to volcanic ash. Adults (n=26) and children (n=5) with pre-existing asthma frequently reported worsening of their symptoms. No serious health problems requiring hospitalisation could be attributed to the eruption. The majority of the participants reported no abnormal physical or mental symptoms to the examining physician. Compared to an age- and gender-matched reference group, the ash-exposed participants reported lower smoking rates and were less likely to have ventilation impairment. Less than 10% of the participants reported symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Short-term ash exposure was associated with upper airway irritation symptoms and exacerbation of pre-existing asthma but did not contribute to serious health problems. The exposure did not impair respiratory function compared to controls. Outdoor use of protective glasses and face masks was considered protective against irritation in eyes and upper airway.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
authors.forename: Hanne Krage
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Carlsen
authors.forename: Thorarinn
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gislason
authors.forename: Bryndis
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Benediktsdottir
authors.forename: Thorir Bjorn
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Kolbeinsson
authors.forename: Arna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hauksdottir
authors.forename: Throstur
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Thorsteinsson
authors.forename: Haraldur
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Briem