Mount St. Helens and Potential Health Effects

 

For the first time in over a decade there was a small explosive eruption of Mount St. Helens on 1 October 2004.  The eruption sent a steam and minor ash plume approximately 10,000 feet above sea level.

 

Mount St Helens Volcanocam-Washington USA

 

Mount St Helens Current Volcanic Activity

 

Special Conditions and Recreation Information

 

Mount St Helens Recent Earthquake Activity

 

Potential Effects of Volcanic Gases

 

Typically the most abundant type of gas released into the atmosphere from volcanic systems is water vapor (H20), followed by carbon dioxide (C02) and sulfur dioxide (S02).  Other gases released, however in smaller amounts, include hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen chloride (HCL), hydrogen fluoride (HF), and helium (He).

 

Carbon dioxide (C02) – Does not usually pose a threat because it becomes diluted to low concentrations very quickly.  However in certain circumstances C02 may become concentrated enough to become lethal.  C02 is a heavier than air and therefore can flow into low lying areas.  If C02 levels exceed 30% it can quickly lead to unconsciousness or death.  During volcanic activity stay away from depressions or low lying areas that might trap C02 .

 

- 5% CO2 causes perceptible increased respiration

- 6-10% causes shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, sweating, and restlessness

 -10-15% causes impaired coordination and abrupt muscle contractions

- 20-30% causes loss of consciousness and convulsions

-over 30% can cause death

 

 

Sulfur Dioxide (S02) - Is a colorless gas and is frequently described as smelling of rotten eggs.  S02  predominately affects the upper respiratory tract and bronchi as well as irritates the skin and the tissues and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat.  The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that maximum exposure be no greater than 0.5 ppm over a 24 hour period.  At a concentration level of 6-12 ppm S02 will cause immediate irritation of the nose and throat.  At a concentration level of 20 ppm eye irritation may occur and at 10,000 ppm moist skin will be irritated within minutes.

 

 

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) - In low concentrations can irritate eyes and act as a depressant.  High concentrations can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract.  Long exposures at high concentration levels can cause pulmonary edema.

 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) - Usually not abundant enough to cause serious problems.

 

Hydrogen Chloride (HCL) – Can damage mucous membranes and respiratory system

 

Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) – Causes conjunctivitis, skin irritation, bone degeneration and mottling of teeth.  Livestock who eat grass that has been coated with fluorine tainted ash are poisoned.  Large amounts of fluorine causes fluorisis and eventually kills the animals by destroying their bones.

 

Environmental Hazard of Volcanic Ash

The hidden hazards that one is exposed to in these volcanic eruptions have long-term health effects, says Steve Sparks of Bristol University. The greatest risk comes from volcanic ash containing significant amounts of cristobalite and other particles less than three microns in diameter.  Inhaling these particles allows for deposition deep in the lung.  Large amounts of cristobalite can cause silicosis, a permanent scarring disease of the lung. View Article

Volcanic ash is a good example of an environmental hazard with unknown potential to cause pneumoconiosis in human populations.  However, the results of a 5-year longitudinal follow-up of loggers exposed to volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens suggest that risks of chronic bronchitis or pneumoconiosis are probably negligible in humans under the usual conditions of such occupational exposure, i.e., initially high and decreasing over time.  View Article

 

 

 

 

What To Do If A Volcano Erupts

n      Washington State Military Department, Emergency Management Division, and the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, 1999

What to do in case of an ash fall

 

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

  • Know in advance what to expect and how to deal with it; that will make it manageable.
  • In ashy areas, use dust masks and eye protection. If you don't have a dust mask, use a wet handkerchief.
  • As much as possible, keep ash out of buildings, machinery, air and water supplies, downspouts, storm drains, etc.
  • Stay indoors to minimize exposure -- especially if you have respiratory ailments.
  • Minimize travel -- driving in ash is hazardous to you and your car.
  • Don't tie up phone line with non-emergency calls.
  • Use your radio for information on the ash fall.

 

What to do before an ash fall

Whether in a car, at home, at work or play, you should always be prepared. Intermittent ash fall and resuspension of ash on the ground may continue for years.

YOUR HOME
Keep these items in your home in case of any natural hazards emergency:

  • Extra dust masks.
  • Enough non-perishable food for at least three days.
  • Enough drinking water for at least three days (one gallon per person per day).
  • Plastic wrap (to keep ash out of electronics).
  • First aid kit and regular medications.
  • Battery-operated radio with extra batteries.
  • Lanterns or flashlights with extra batteries.
  • Extra wood, if you have a fireplace or wood stove.
  • Extra blankets and warm clothing.
  • Cleaning supplies (broom, vacuum, shovels, etc.).
  • Small amount of extra cash (ATM machines may not be working).

YOUR CHILDREN

  • Explain what a volcano is and what they should expect and do if ash falls.
  • Know your school's emergency plan.
  • Have quiet games and activities available.

YOUR PETS

  • Store extra food and drinking water.
  • Keep extra medicine on hand.
  • Keep your animals under cover, if possible.

YOUR CAR
Any vehicle can be considered a movable, second home. Always carry a few items in your vehicle in case of delays, emergencies, or mechanical failures.

  • Dust masks and eye protection.
  • Blankets and extra clothing.
  • Emergency food and drinking water.
  • General emergency supplies: first aid kit, flashlight, fire extinguisher, took lit, flares, matches, survival manual, etc.
  • Waterproof tarp, heavy tow rope.
  • Extra air and oil filters, extra oil, windshield wiper blades and windshield washer fluid.
  • Cell phone with extra battery.

What to do during and after an ash fall

YOUR HOME

  • Close doors, windows and dampers. Place damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources; tape drafty windows.
  • Dampen ash in yard and streets to reduce resuspension.
  • Put stoppers in the tops of your drainpipes (at the gutters).
  • Protect dust sensitive electronics.
  • Since most roofs cannot support more than four inches of wet ash, keep roofs free of thick accumulation. Once ash fall stops, sweep or shovel ash from roofs and gutters. Wear your dust mask and use caution on ladders and roofs.
  • Remove outdoor clothing before entering a building. Brush, shake and pre-soak ashy clothing before washing.
  • If there is ash in your water, let it settle and then use the clear water. In rare cases where there is a lot of ash in the water supply, do not use your dishwasher or washing machine.
  • You may eat vegetables from the garden, but wash them first.
  • Dust often using vacuum attachments rather than dust cloths, which may become abrasive.
  • Use battery operated radio to receive information.

YOUR CHILDREN

  • Follow school's directions for care of children at school.
  • Keep children indoors; discourage active play in dusty settings. Dust masks do not fit well on small children.

YOUR PETS

  • Keep pets indoors. If pets go out, brush or vacuum them before letting them indoors.
  • Make sure livestock have clean food and water.
  • Discourage active play in dusty settings.

 

YOUR CAR

  • If possible, do not drive; ash is harmful to vehicles.
  • If you must drive, drive slowly, use headlights, and use ample windshield washer fluid.
  • Change oil, oil filters, and air filters frequently (every 50 to 100 miles in heavy dust, i.e., less than 50 feet visibility; every 500 to 1,000 miles in light dust).
  • Do not drive without an air filter. If you cannot change the air filter, clean it by blowing air through from the inside out.
  • If car stalls or brakes fail, push car to the side of the road to avoid collisions. Stay with your car.

What to do during the clean up period

  • Minimize driving and other activities that resuspend ash.
  • Remove as much ash as you can from frequently used areas. Clean from the top down. Wear a dust mask.
  • Prior to sweeping, dampen ash to ease removal. Be careful to not wash ash into drainpipes, sewers, storm drains, etc.
  • Use water sparingly. Widespread use of water for clean-up may deplete public water supply.
  • Maintain protection for dust-sensitive items (e.g., computers, machinery) until the environment is really ash-free.
  • Seek advice from public officials regarding disposal of volcanic ash in your community.
  • Wet ash can be slippery. Use caution when climbing on ladders and roofs.
  • Establish childcare to assist parents involved in cleanup.

View Link

 

For More Information Please Contact:

US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (CHPPM-West) Box 339500, MS 115, Fort Lewis, Washington 98433-9500

POC:  LTC Leon Robert                                                                                           COM 253-966-0008 / DSN 347-0008