A huge cloud of sulphur dioxide has spread across the UK from a volcanic eruption in Iceland as Britons are warned about the health risks of inhaling it.
Weather maps show the corrosive and acidic gas cloud has moved towards Britain – and can cause a deterioration in air quality.
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) can cause respiratory problems – such as bronchitis – and symptoms include a sore throat, coughing, a runny nose, burning eyes, tight lungs and difficulty breathing.
SO2 is produced from the combustion of fossil fuels that contain sulphur.
A huge cloud of sulphur dioxide has spread across the UK from a volcanic eruption in Iceland as Britons are warned about the health risks of inhaling itWindy.com/ GettyVolcanoes can produce huge quantities of it when they erupt – and in this case, the gas came from the eruption of a new fissure on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Thursday.
Prof Simon Carn shared a warning about the toxic gas on social media.
The Professor from Michigan Technological University, wrote: “Another batch of volcanic SO₂ en route to the UK / Ireland, courtesy of the latest eruption on Iceland ‘s #Reykjanes peninsula.
“Might cause some local AirQuality impacts in the coming days.”
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Weather maps show the corrosive and acidic gas cloud has moved towards Britain – and can cause a deterioration in air quality
Windy.com
The colourless gas has an odour similar to the smell of a just-lit match and can cause stinging pain, redness and blisters if it comes in contact with the skin.
Direct exposure to SO2 is linked to asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Elderly people have been warned that they are “particularly vulnerable” to SO2 inhalation.
A volcano is southwestern Iceland has seen its sixth eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Thursday since last December.
Volcanoes can produce huge quantities of it when they erupt – and in this case, the gas came from the eruption of a new fissure on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Thursday
Getty
In June, experts said a non-explosive fissure in Iceland could have caused an “unprecedented” spike in SO2 levels in Edinburgh not seen since the 1970s.
Britons were given a fresh travel warning for Iceland following the volcanic eruptions.
The FCDO said: “Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common in Iceland. Recently there has been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland, the latest on August 22.
“These have affected the town of Grindavik and the area to the north of it.
“Icelandic authorities advise that you stay away from this area. All roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed.”
A huge cloud of sulphur dioxide has spread across the UK from a volcanic eruption in Iceland as Britons are warned about the health risks of inhaling itWindy.com/ Getty
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