Eruption Pollution At All Time High

The residents of Reyðarfjörður have been advised to stay indoors as fumes from the Holuhraun eruption cause pollution to spike to record levels, reports RÚV.

Reyðarfjörður, located on Iceland’s east coast saw levels of sulfur dioxide reach 4,000 µg/​cubic metres last night.

Residents of Reyðarfjörður have been advised to stay inside and monitor pollution readings. In addition to staying inside and closing all windows and doors, residents are recommended to turn on their radiators to increase air pressure inside their homes.

These pollution levels are the highest readings in Iceland since the Icelandic Meterological Office began recording sulfur dioxide pollution in 1970.

Sulfur dioxide exposure typically causes a sore throat, runny nose, burning eyes, and cough. Inhaling high levels can cause swollen lungs and difficulty breathing. Skin contact with sulfur dioxide vapor can cause irritation or burns.