Severe volcanic SO2 exposure and respiratory morbidity in the Icelandic population – a register study

Abstract Background The Holuhraun volcanic eruption September 2014 to February 2015 emitted large amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ). aim this study was determine the association between SO gases on general population respiratory health some 250 km from site, in Icelandic capital area. Methods Respiratory outcomes were: asthma medication dispensing (AMD) Medicines Register, medical doctor consultations primary care (PCMD) and hospital emergency department visits (HED) Reykjavík (population: 215000) for disease 1 January 2010 31 December 2014. associations daily counts events mean concentration high levels (24-h > 125 ?g/m3) were analysed using generalized additive models. Results After began, AMD higher than before (129.4 vs. 158.4 individuals per day, p < 0.05). For PCMD HED, there no significant differences number after (142.2 vs 144.8 18.3 17.5, respectively). In regression analysis adjusted other pollutants, associated with estimated increases by 0.99% (95% CI 0.39–1.58%) 10 ?g/m 3 at lag 0–2, causes 1.26% 0.72–1.80%) HED 1.02% 0.02–2.03%) 0–2. days over limit, 10.9% 2.1–19.6%), 17.2% 10.0–24.4%) PCMD. Dispensing short-acting increased significantly 1.09% 0.49–1.70%), infections COPD diagnoses 1.12% 0.54–1.71%) 2.08% (1.13–3.04%). Conclusion High are AMD, utilization tertiary care. Individuals prevalent may be particularly susceptible.