In the wake of Mount St Helens
On May 18, 1980, Mount St Helens, Washington State's most active volcano, erupted violently. Volcanic eruptions in recent geologic history have demonstrated tremendous environmental impact and caused significant loss of human life. Volcanic ash expelled during the eruption was deposited on much of eastern Washington and had a profound effect on local air quality. Although ash is relatively inert, analysis revealed a small but significant amount of free crystalline silica, the causative agent of silicosis. The fine particles of ash were of respirable size, and there was a remarkable increase in the volume of respiratory cases seen in emergency departments during the period of high airborne particulate levels. Numerous cases of injury indirectly related to the fall of ash were also seen. The long-term effect of exposure to this volcanic ash is unknown. A prompt, coordinated community medical response is necessary to protect the general population from the potential hazard of exposure to volcanic ash.
- Research Organization:
- Deaconess Hospital Emergency Department, Spokane, WA
- OSTI ID:
- 6929389
- Journal Information:
- Ann. Emerg. Med.; (United States), Vol. 11:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Immediate public health concerns and actions in volcanic eruptions: lessons from the Mount St. Helens eruptions, May 18-October 18, 1980
Impact of Mount St. Helens eruption on hydrology and water quality
Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
58 GEOSCIENCES
ASHES
HEALTH HAZARDS
VOLCANOES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
AIR POLLUTION
EPIDEMIOLOGY
MEDICAL CENTERS
PUBLIC HEALTH
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SILICA
CHALCOGENIDES
DISEASES
HAZARDS
MINERALS
OXIDE MINERALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
RESIDUES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SILICON OXIDES
552000* - Public Health
560306 - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Man- (-1987)
580202 - Geophysics- Volcanology- (1980-1989)