Page 101 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

78 The Americas

Woods, 2002; Hansell et al, 2006). For example, (H S), hydrogen fluoride (HF), carbon monoxide
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effusive volcanoes such as those in the Hawaiian (CO), nitrogen (N ), hydrogen (H ), helium (He),
2
2
Islands are known for their hot, less viscous methane (CH ), radon (Rn) and heavy metals
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magmas that allow gas to separate more efficiently. such as lead and mercury (Bernstein et al, 1986;
This in turn limits the explosiveness of eruptions Hansell and Oppenheimer, 2004; Cantrell and
(Garcia et al, 2000; Hansell et al, 2006). In contrast, Young, 2009).
more explosive volcanoes such as those in
Indonesia have cooler, more viscous magmas that Carbon dioxide
are more likely to fragment in an explosive Carbon dioxide (CO ) is abundant in volcanic
2
eruption. It is important to note, however, that gases and is particularly dangerous because it is
regardless of their eruption style volcanoes pose a odourless, denser than air and emitted during
range of health hazards for tourists during and volcanic eruptions and in geothermal areas
between eruptions. These hazards range from acid (Beaubien et al, 2003; Hansell and Oppenheimer,
rain to tephra and ash falls, earthquakes, volcanic 2004). Like most gases, CO poses the risk of
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gas emissions, landslides and mudflows, lava flows asphyxiation. Lower to moderate concentrations
and volcanic laze (Table 5.1). of CO (7–10 per cent) cause vomiting, dizziness,
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visual disturbances, headaches, sweating, rapid
Volcanic gases breathing, tachycardia, mental depression and
Volcanoes and geothermal areas are regularly tremors (Beaubien et al, 2003; Cantrell and
associated with a variety of gas emissions. These Young, 2009). Moreover, exposure to CO
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gases include carbon dioxide (CO ), sulfur dioxide concentrations >100,000ppm (or concentrations
2
(SO ), hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen sulphide of 10–30 per cent) can rapidly produce
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Table 5.1 Potential hazards threatening volcano tourists
Hazard Potential health effects

Acid rain Irritant to eyes and skin. Also a potential threat to safe drinking water. Forms when rain falls through
volcanic gas and acid particle emissions. Also forms where lava enters ocean water.
Earthquakes Impact injuries from damage to tourist facilities and other structures. Earthquakes are common with
volcanic activity. A tsunami may occur if water is displaced by underwater volcanoes.

Lava flows Thermal injuries. Methane explosions can occur as active lava flows over vegetation. Lacerations,
scrapes and abrasions, muscle strains and sprains, and other fall injuries when inactive lava flows
used for recreational purposes.

Landslides/mudflows Burial, drowning and impact injuries. May create a localized tsunami if either flow into an ocean or
lake.
Laze Irritant to eyes, skin, mucous membranes and throat. Exposure to high concentrations can cause
laryngeal spasms and pulmonary edema.

Pyroclastic density Thermal and impact injuries. Forms when a mixture of hot currents, ash, rocks and gas is pulled
down a volcano by gravity.
Tephra and ash Impact injuries, skin and eye abrasions, and respiratory irritation. Long term exposure can result in
silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Hazardous to aircraft and the structural
capability of tourist facilities. Lightning is common in ash clouds.

Volcanic gases Asphyxiation, vomiting, headache, dizziness, visual disturbances, bronchopneumonia, eye irritation
and throat irritation.
Source: Adapted from Table 1, Hansell et al, 2006

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