TY - JOUR PY - 2018// TI - Effects of the Miyakejima volcano eruption on public health JO - International journal of critical care and emergency medicine A1 - Mikio, Shiozawa A1 - Alan Kawarai, Lefor A1 - Naohiro, Sata A1 - Yoshikazu, Yasuda A1 - Hideo, Nagai SP - e1510040 EP - e1510040 VL - 4 IS - 2 N2 - In June 2000, the Miyakejima volcano suddenly erupted, forcing evacuation of all inhabitants. We undertook this study to evaluate the effects on the health of inhabitants after their returning to the island 4 years after the eruption. We examined 269 inhabitants, who visited the Miyakejima Central Clinic, and specifically discussed symptoms related to exposure and anxiety related to the disaster. These data refer to patients who voluntarily visited the health facility, and thus represent the reasons for seeking health care after return to the island. Symptoms related to gas exposure were common, including throat pain (28%) and headache (20%). With a higher concentration of SO2, the incidence was higher in downwind areas where inhabitants had more symptoms and anxiety. There has been no severe acute attack related to volcanic gas, because detailed SO2 monitoring and distributing quick information could act effectively. In conclusion, under the threat of imminent gas emission, detailed gas monitoring and care for mental and health condition should be performed according to regional character, which would save the public health and relief inhabitant's anxiety. Herein, we report practical suggestions for disaster management in large scale volcanic eruption. Keywords Miyakejima, Volcanic gas, SO2 monitoring, Disaster management
Language: en
LA - en SN - 2474-3674 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.23937/2474-3674/1510040 ID - ref1 ER -