Effects of the Miyakejima Volcano Eruption on Public Health

Shiozawa Mikio,Nagai Hideo,Yasuda Yoshikazu,Sata Naohiro,Lefor Alan Kawarai

doi:10.23937/2474-3674/1510040

Abstract

In June 2000, the Miyakejima volcano suddenly erupted, forcing evacuation of all inhabitants. We undertook this study to evaluate the effects on the health of inhabitants after their returning to the island 4 years after the eruption.

Highlights

In June 2000, the Miyakejima volcano eruption with high levels of volcanic activity led to the evacuation of the entire island
269 patients who visited the Miyakejima central clinic, all over 20-years-old, were asked a number of questions about symptoms related to volcanic gas exposure, stress-related disorders and anxiety in performing activities of daily living, and where they live on the island
Subjective symptoms attributed to volcanic gas exposure included throat irritation 27.5%, headache 20.3%, and eye pain 10.1%

Summary

Introduction

In June 2000, the Miyakejima volcano eruption with high levels of volcanic activity led to the evacuation of the entire island. At the beginning of the eruption, the Miyakejima volcano emitted volcanic gas, mainly sulfur dioxide (SO2), at a rate of 40,000 to 50,000 tons per day. The Cabinet Office of Japan and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government convened an expert panel to assess the acute and chronic health risks to the respiratory health of Miyakejima inhabitants. This panel proposed that levels of volcanic SO2 on Miyakejima should be < 0.04 ppm in annual mean measurement and the frequency of > 0.1 ppm levels in a one-hour measurement should be < 10% in order to minimize long term health effects [2]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion