Latest update on the volcanic ash plume

26 April 2010

Scientists at the Health Protection Agency believe Icelandic volcanic ash currently poses no threat to public health in the UK.

When an Icelandic volcano erupted earlier this month staff from the HPA and partner agencies around the country began monitoring movement of the volcanic ash in the atmosphere and looking for any impacts on the health of people in the UK.

Data gathered so far from existing health surveillance systems has revealed that the number of people who have reported conditions, including respiratory symptoms, itchy eyes and sore throats, does not indicate that the volcanic plume has had a significant impact on public health.

This is not unexpected as only small quantities of ash have been deposited on the UK.

Because of that, and as the plume has largely dispersed away from the UK, scientists have today concluded that the ash currently poses no threat to public health in the UK.

Dr John Cooper, Director of the Agency's Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, said: "Over the past few weeks the HPA has been working in close partnership with the Met Office and health protection colleagues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that the public has been kept fully informed on the potential health risks posed by the volcanic ash.

"We now believe that there is currently no threat to public health."

The Health Protection Agency, Health Protection Scotland, Public Health Wales, Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland and the Met Office will continue to monitor the situation and issue any further advice or updates as necessary.

Media enquiries for the HPA contact: 01235 822876, 01235 822745, 07867 647083

Last reviewed: 26 April 2010