In March 2010, the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull began erupting and led to an increase in respiratory illness, 100,000 flight cancellations, and $200 million in economic costs. In this case study by Katrina Paleologos, she describes the details of the eruption; Eyjafjallajökull is one of Iceland’s ice caps, therefore the eruption caused consecutive vapor explosions from hot magma coming in contact with the snow. This led to volcanic ash ejection, plume dispersion, and the melted glacial ice flowing into the volcano, further increasing the explosive power of the eruptions.
Katrina reported the results of a longitudinal study conducted in 2010 and 2013 to identify the effects of the volcano on 1,000 residents, exposure level was analyzed alongside the reported physical symptoms, psychological distress, perceived stress, and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was found that there were increased physical respiratory symptoms in the exposed participants.
The evacuation and response plans included swift relocation of civilians and limiting mobility to high-risk areas by closing roads and airspace. This event has led to the establishment of a policy advisory group for future environmental disasters and coordination with airlines.
Read Katrina Paleologos’s case study here