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Volcanic Emissions and Health

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Essentials of Medical Geology

Abstract

Volcanoes provide a conduit by which magma—the molten rock, gases, and water within the earth—may interact with human biological systems (Fig. 10.1). Because of the range of materials that are ejected during eruptions, the consequent effects on human health are diverse. Contact may occur dramatically and immediately for people living close to the vent, such as from pyroclastic density currents or the emission of large projectiles. Alternatively, effects on health may occur slowly or at great distances from the volcano as a result of dispersal of volcanic material such as ash and aerosols.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Barbara Hardy Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia

    Philip Weinstein

  2. Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience, Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University, Durham, UK

    Claire J. Horwell

  3. School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Australia

    Angus Cook

Authors
  1. Philip Weinstein
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  2. Claire J. Horwell
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  3. Angus Cook
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Philip Weinstein .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Geological Survey of Sweden, Uppsala, Sweden

    Olle Selinus

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Weinstein, P., Horwell, C.J., Cook, A. (2013). Volcanic Emissions and Health. In: Selinus, O. (eds) Essentials of Medical Geology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4375-5_10

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