Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Lung problems and volcanic smog

Vog

 

Volcanic smog is also called vog. It forms when a volcano erupts and releases gases into the atmosphere.

Volcanic smog can irritate the lungs and make existing lung problems worse.

Information

 

Volcanoes release plumes of ash, dust, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases into the air. Sulfur dioxide is the most harmful of these gases. When the gases react with oxygen, moisture, and sunlight in the atmosphere, volcanic smog forms. This smog is a type of air pollution.

Volcanic smog also contains highly acidic aerosols (tiny particles and droplets), mainly sulfuric acid and other sulfur-related compounds. These aerosols are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs.

Breathing in volcanic smog irritates the lungs and mucus membranes. It can affect how well your lungs work. Volcanic smog may also affect your immune system.

The acidic particles in volcanic smog can worsen these lung conditions:

  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Emphysema
  • Any other long-term (chronic) lung condition

Children and people with blood circulation problems are also more likely to feel the effects of volcanic smog.

Symptoms of volcanic smog exposure include:

  • Breathing problems, shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Headaches
  • Lack of energy
  • More mucus production
  • Sore throat
  • Watery, irritated eyes

STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST VOLCANIC SMOG

If you already have breathing problems, taking these steps can prevent your breathing from getting worse when you are exposed to volcanic smog:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible. People who have lung conditions should limit physical activity outdoors. Keep windows and doors closed and the air conditioning on. Using an air cleaner/purifier can also help.
  • When you do have to go outside, wear a paper or gauze surgical mask that covers your nose and mouth. Wet the mask with a solution of baking soda and water to further protect your lungs.
  • Take your COPD or asthma medicines as prescribed.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking can irritate your lungs even more.
  • Drink a lot of fluids, especially warm fluids (such as tea).
  • Bend forward at the waist slightly to make it easier to breathe.
  • Practice breathing exercises indoors to keep your lungs as healthy as possible. With your lips almost closed, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. This is called pursed-lip breathing. Or, breathe deeply through your nose into your belly without moving your chest. This is called diaphragmatic breathing.
  • If possible, leave the area where the volcanic smog is.

EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS

If you have asthma or COPD and your symptoms suddenly get worse, try using your rescue inhaler. If your symptoms don't improve:

  • Call 911 or another emergency number right away.
  • Have someone take you to the emergency room.

Call your health care provider if you:

  • Are coughing up more mucus than usual, or the mucus has changed color
  • Are coughing up blood
  • Have a high fever (over 100°F or 37.8°C)
  • Have flu-like symptoms
  • Have severe chest pain or tightness
  • Have shortness of breath or wheezing that is getting worse
  • Have swelling in your legs or abdomen

 

 

References

Balmes JR, Eisner MD. Indoor and outdoor air pollution. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 74.

Feldman JN, Tilling RI. Volcanic eruptions, hazards, and mitigations. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Wilderness Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2011:chap 15.

Jay G, King K, Cattamanchi S. Volcanic eruptions. In: Cittione GR, ed. Ciottone's Disaster Medicine . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 101.

Naumova EN. Emergency room visits for respiratory conditions in children increased after Guagua Pichincha volcanic eruptions in April 2000 in Quito, Ecuador observational study: time series analysis. Environ Health . 2007;6:21. PMID: 17650330 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17650330 .

United States Geological Survey. Volcanic gases and climate change. Volcanic gases can be harmful to health, vegetation and infrastructure. Updated February 12, 2016. volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/gas.html . Accessed February 24, 2016.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Talking to your MD

           

            Self Care

             

              Tests for Lung problems and volcanic smog

               

                 

                Review Date: 1/30/2016

                Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

                The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

                 
                 
                 

                 

                 

                A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



                Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.