Health Risks On Tourists Exposed To Volcanic Sulfur Dioxide on Vulcano Island (Sicily)

Abstract

Intense volcanic degassing is remained on Vulcano Island of Sicily (Italy) since the last eruption of the Fossa crater in 1888 - 1890. Every year round about
15,000 tourists living during the summer time in Porto village in the North of Vulcano Island. Toxic SO₂ of the solfataric action in this area represent a permanent natural hazard harming humans when inhaled. A risk assessment study has been conducted that shows up health risks of humans exposed to volcanic SO₂-gas clouds. Fife risk degrees are defined based on the SO₂-hazards and the human vulnerability (health effects). A geographical map with the distribution of the risk levels is derived from published results of field measurements and numerical simulations. Further, the proportion of suffering individuals under certain SO₂-concentrations and safety zones for civil protection is determined. The study makes clear that people exposed to SO₂ are at limited to serious risks in wide areas in and around Porto village. On the top of the Fossa crater, SO₂-gas clouds are dangerous to human’s health or life.