NHS Western Isles issue
volcanic ash advice

NHS Western Isles issue volcanic ash advice

Updated information on weather patterns in the UK now indicates that volcanic ash associated with the current eruption in Iceland will reach ground level over the UK, starting in Scotland this evening (16 April) before moving south over the course of the night.

NHS Western Isles has been advised that the concentration of particles, if they do reach ground level, is likely to be low and should not cause serious harm and as such we are advising that the national advice from Health Protection Scotland is followed:

If people are outside and notice symptoms such as itchy or irritated eyes, runny nose, sore throat or dry cough, or if they notice a dusty haze in the air or can smell sulphur, rotten eggs, or a strong acidic smell, they may wish to limit their activities outdoors or return indoors. Those with existing respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma may notice these effects more than others and should ensure they have any inhalers or other medications with them.

There have however been no specific warnings issued for NHS Western Isles area at this stage and any grounding of volcano dust in the area if, or when, it does occur is not anticipated to cause serious harm.

Health Protection Scotland, the Health Protection Agency and the Met Office will continue to monitor the situation and issue any further advice or updates as necessary as the weather changes.

Low concentrations of volcanic dust, which may contain low levels of sulphur dioxide, are also expected to ground with the plume, although this is not expected to be a significant threat to public health.