Press Release

WELCOME NEWS FROM FINAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH IMPLICATIONS FROM VOLCANIC ASH ON MONTSERRAT

Work to assess the risks to health of the general population from Montserrat volcanic ash, has now been completed. The UK Chief Medical Officer’s Advisory Group (on risks to health posed by volcanic ash on Montserrat) has concluded that there is little risk of health problems occurring in the general population of Montserrat as a result of ash from the volcano. However, some concern remains about possible risks for individuals exposed to higher amounts of ash for longer periods of time, and further work is being conducted for this group of people. Ash masks should continue to be worn in ashy conditions and children should not play in the ash or take part in ash clearing activities.

Since 1997 the UK Government and the Government of Montserrat have been studying health aspects of the volcanic ash on Montserrat. This work has been carried out by an Ad Hoc Advisory Group that has reported to the Chief Medical Officer (UK). The Group studied the results of scientific tests, which demonstrated that the ash is only mildly toxic, and then examined the risk of contracting lung disease for those who have been exposed.

The final Risk Assessment report is now available, and has been placed on the Government of Montserrat’s website and other relevant websites. Printed copies are available to members of the public, on request. The report concludes that the risk of x-ray changes or lung problems occurring in the general population of Montserrat as a result of ash from the volcano is very small. However, some concern remains about possible risks to individuals who may be exposed to higher than average amounts of ash for long periods (e.g. children, gardeners, road workers, professional house cleaners).

The UK Government and the Government of Montserrat have therefore agreed to undertake further work to assess the effects of ash on individuals who have had larger than average exposure and an x-ray survey will be conducted on island early in 2005. This survey will focus on those individuals previously surveyed (in 2000) and on people who have since been exposed to higher than average concentrations. This study is a routine follow-up from the 2000 survey and, like the previous study, will involve a chest x-ray, respiratory systems questionnaire, lung function tests and a life-time occupational history. Participation will be voluntary, but participants in the first study are strongly encouraged to return. The study will be undertaken, as last time, by experts from the Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh.

The various studies already done have shown:

Laboratory studies have shown that the ash is only mildly toxic. The risk of it causing lung disease (silicosis) is very small. Occasionally it may cause changes on x-rays of the lungs but this does not necessarily cause any further problems. In addition, any problems will only follow long-term exposure. Those who have been more exposed to the ash (road sweepers, gardeners etc) are, therefore, at slightly greater risk.

Studies to date show no evidence of a bad effect on the health of people living on island. There is also no evidence of any effect on health as a result of people doing ash-clearing work in their own homes.

For the group of people who have been more heavily exposed to ash, the best approach is to reduce any future exposure as far as possible. A decision on whether future monitoring is needed will be made following the results of the survey to be undertaken in early 2005.

For everyone, high exposure to ash should be reduced. This requires the strict use of facemasks by people working with ash, and the dampening of ash before its removal.

The effect of ash on children is still not fully clear. There is a risk that they are more exposed because they spend more time playing outside. Children should therefore be encouraged not to play in ash and should not take part in ash clearing activities.

The risk assessment report and details of reports from previous studies, can be found in Montserrat’s public library and on the websites of the Government of Montserrat and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory.

Download as - Microsoft Word (31KB), PDF (21KB)

For More information Contact:

Ministry of Health,

P. O. Box 24,

Tel: # 664-491-2880/4520

Fax # 664-491-3131

mehcs@gov.ms

Government of Montserrat

December 2004

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