Poor air quality can trigger breathing problems Medical experts are advising people with lung conditions, such as asthma, to be prepared for the ash cloud that is expected to reach the UK on Tuesday.
The British Lung Foundation is advising those who might be susceptible to carry their medication as a precaution.
If the cloud from the Grimsvotn volcano in Iceland hits the UK, air quality could be significantly reduced, causing breathing problems for some people.
But experts predict it will not be as disruptive as last year’s eruption.
The Eyjafjallajokull volcano’s unusual ash size distribution, combined with unusual weather patterns, made life difficult across Europe during the late spring and early summer of 2010.
About 20 countries closed their airspace and it affected hundreds of thousands of travellers.
By comparison, the impact of the Grimsvotn volcano looks relatively tame, according to University of Iceland geophysicist Pall Einarsson.
The ash particles from this eruption are said to be larger than last year and, as a result, fall to the ground more quickly.
But lung experts still advise precaution.
Dr Keith Prowse, of the British Lung Foundation, said: “In light of the latest news that ash from the volcanic eruption in Iceland could reach the UK by Tuesday, we would advise people living with a lung condition in affected areas to carry their medication as a precaution.”
Erica Evans, of Asthma UK, said: “We know that volcanic ash can trigger asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. However, as the ash is very high in the atmosphere it does not pose an immediate problem. Asthma UK advises people with asthma to monitor the news to see whether the ash cloud moves closer to the UK.
“People with asthma should make sure they maintain their regular asthma medicine and keep their emergency inhaler on them at all times.”
Both charities say they can offer advice via a telephone helpline to anyone who may be concerned.
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