Sulphur Dioxide Back In The Capital

It looks as though our long-term friend sulphur dioxide will be spending a couple days in the capital area – starting tonight.

MBL reports that there were low levels of SO2 from the Holuhraun eruption in the capital area today. The highest levels were recorded in the east Reykjavík neighbourhood of Grafarvogur, where sulphur dioxide hit 480µg/m3 at about 15:30 today. People are advised to stay in doors when SO2 levels exceed 600µg/m3.

While SO2 levels in Reykjavík are now very low, this is expected to change tomorrow. Sulphur dioxide levels could approach the 600µg/m3 mark around noon tomorrow. However, this will soon taper off as the afternoon progresses.

Sulphur dioxide can irritate the eyes and lungs, and cause more serious problems for those with respiratory conditions. You can follow what SO2 levels are in your area using the vedur.is link in the previous paragraph. Barring that, leave a plate of red cabbage outside overnight, and inspect the color of the juice in the morning.