Although the eruption in Holuhraun is over conditions at the site remain extremely dangerous. Even more so than when the lava was still flowing, Víðir Reynisson director at the Icelandic Civil Protection told RÚV.
The new lava field is still emitting volcanic gases, including carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. Without the thermal rise from an open lava vent, the volcanic gases tend to follow the ground. Therefore, even higher values of more polluting gas may be expected now than in recent weeks reports The Icelandic Met Office (IMO).
Read more: The eruption in Holuhraun is over
Carbon dioxide gas is heavier than air so the emitted gas will flow in low-lying areas close to the eruption site. The concentration of the gas can be lethal to people and animals.
Regular gas masks do not offer protection in those conditions, explained Víðir. Only oxygen mask and portable oxygen tanks are sufficient.
Although the eruption in Holuhraun is over conditions at the site remain extremely dangerous. Even more so than when the lava was still flowing, Víðir Reynisson director at the Icelandic Civil Protection told RÚV.
The new lava field is still emitting volcanic gases, including carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. Without the thermal rise from an open lava vent, the volcanic gases tend to follow the ground. Therefore, even higher values of more polluting gas may be expected now than in recent weeks reports The Icelandic Met Office (IMO).
Read more: The eruption in Holuhraun is over
Carbon dioxide gas is heavier than air so the emitted gas will flow in low-lying areas close to the eruption site. The concentration of the gas can be lethal to people and animals.
Regular gas masks do not offer protection in those conditions, explained Víðir. Only oxygen mask and portable oxygen tanks are sufficient.
