Citation

Mikio S, Alan Kawarai L, Naohiro S, Yoshikazu Y, Hideo N. Int. J. Crit. Care Emerg. Med. 2018; 4(2): e1510040.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, ClinMed)

DOI

10.23937/2474-3674/1510040

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In June 2000, the Miyakejima volcano suddenly erupted, forcing evacuation of all inhabitants. We undertook this study to evaluate the effects on the health of inhabitants after their returning to the island 4 years after the eruption. We examined 269 inhabitants, who visited the Miyakejima Central Clinic, and specifically discussed symptoms related to exposure and anxiety related to the disaster. These data refer to patients who voluntarily visited the health facility, and thus represent the reasons for seeking health care after return to the island. Symptoms related to gas exposure were common, including throat pain (28%) and headache (20%). With a higher concentration of SO2, the incidence was higher in downwind areas where inhabitants had more symptoms and anxiety. There has been no severe acute attack related to volcanic gas, because detailed SO2 monitoring and distributing quick information could act effectively. In conclusion, under the threat of imminent gas emission, detailed gas monitoring and care for mental and health condition should be performed according to regional character, which would save the public health and relief inhabitant's anxiety.

Herein, we report practical suggestions for disaster management in large scale volcanic eruption.

Keywords

Miyakejima, Volcanic gas, SO2 monitoring, Disaster management

Language: en