The fear of volcano: short-term health effects after Mount Etna's eruption in 2002.

摘要

During Autumn 2002, a large eruption of Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy) occurred. It persisted for 3 months, showing peaks of intense volcanic activity characterised by explosions, jets hundreds of metres high and seismic activity. Local winds carried the ash columns for kilometres, causing discomfort to the population of Catania (nearly 370,000 inhabitants) and other inhabited areas near the volcano. Repeated episodes of rainfall occurred after the eruption, reducing the phenomenon of ash resuspension. The population was alerted by a general alarm caused by national and local mass media. National and local authorities enacted measures aimed at preventing health effects: schools were closed; motor vehicle circulation was prohibited; protective eye masks were distributed; the elderly and individuals affected by chronic diseases of the respiratory system were suggested to limit their outdoor exposure and to reduce physical activity.