Volcanic air pollution -– a hazard to workers in volcanic regions

Volcanic eruptions release toxic gases
and substances in the air.With volcanic eruptions disrupting the lives of residents in Chile, Iceland, Hawaii and other regions, Electrocorp’s air quality experts have been receiving e-mails and calls about air filtration systems for volcanic smog (VOG).

Volcanic eruptions release noxious sulfur dioxide gas and other pollutants into the atmosphere, which react with the oxygen and atmospheric moisture to produce volcanic smog (VOG) and acid rain.

The ash clouds do not only affect flight traffic – they can pose serious health risks for the people living and working in the affected regions.

Health effects of volcanic smog

VOG has been shown to aggravate pre-existing respiratory ailments, while acid rain can damage crops and leach lead into building water supplies. It consists of gases as well as tiny liquid and solid particles. VOG is composed of sulfuric acid and other sulfate compounds and it can also contain toxic metals.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2, the main component of VOG) is a poisonous gas that can penetrate deeply into the airway and cause respiratory distress in some individuals. The tiny aerosol particles in volcanic smog can also penetrate deeply into the lungs and irritate the tissue.

People living and working in areas downwind of active volcanoes have complained about a wide range of health effects, including skin irritation and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

Source: US Geological Survey (USGS)

Air cleaners for VOG

Electrocorp and AllerAir have designed air purifiers for VOG that remove dangerous airborne chemicals, gases and particles associated with VOG. Electrocorp is the industrial division of AllerAir Industries.

The specially designed air cleaners feature a custom blend of deep-bed activated carbon for enhanced adsorption of noxious chemicals and gases, as well as a medical grade HEPA or Super-HEPA for the removal of fine particles.

Suggested air purifiers from AllerAir for homes and offices affected by volcanic smog include the 5000 VOG and Air Medic+ VOG.

Electrocorp’s in-house technical design team works with environmental consultants, government agencies and IAQ professionals to provide complete air cleaning solutions to a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications.

Suggested air filtration systems from Electrocorp are dependent on the size of the indoor space and include the RAP Series, RSU Series and I-6500 Series, among others. The systems can help clean the air in spaces ranging from 500 sq. ft. to 500,000 sq. ft. (SSU Series).

For more information, contact an Electrocorp exec rep at 1-866-667-0297. Ask about the special carbon blend for VOG and other groundbreaking features.

Note: Always follow public advisories and evacuation orders.

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Asbestos-related diseases and deaths in Asia to surge: doctor

Data shows that Asian countries
use the most asbestos.In a recent press release, health officials warn that morbidity and asbestos-related diseases in Asia may increase sharply over the next 20 years, as Asia now accounts for 64 percent of asbestos use worldwide.

Dr. Ken Takahashi, Acting Director of the WHO Collaborating Center for Occupational Health, and his team put together important data on asbestos use in 47 Asian countries in an article in Respirology.

Their data showed that Cyprus, Israel and Japan had the highest age-adjusted mortality rates in Asia.

Asian countries accounted for 64% of the global consumption of asbestos in the period of 2001-2007, a striking increase from 14% between 1920 and 1970. This is a result of unregulated asbestos import and use in many Asian countries.

"Despite concerns of the global ARD epidemic and Asia's growing importance in the world, data on current asbestos use and asbestos related diseases in Asia remain limited," said Dr. Ken Takahashi.

Asbestos – a serious health threat

The WHO identifies asbestos as one of the most dangerous occupational carcinogens, declaring the need to eliminate asbestos use and associated health damages. An estimated 107,000 people worldwide die from asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos is a mineral fiber commonly used for insulation in constructions. It is relatively affordable, which makes it attractive in developing countries.

Asbestos-related lung diseases, particularly mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis (asbestos induced lung fibrosis), typically develop after decades of lag time from first exposure.

Source: Wiley-Blackwell

Protect workers' health and safety with powerful air cleaners

Air purifiers and major air filtration systems from Electrocorp designed for mold and asbestos abatement projects can help keep the indoor air clean by removing chemicals, particles, fibers and gases from the air with a large activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter.

Our air purifiers use only safe and proven filtration technologies. Contact us for more information.

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