While not directly threatening residents, the emissions are highly concentrated in the upper atmosphere of the Gulf of Mexico and the western region of the country.
Cuban scientists are currently ruling out dangers to the country from emissions of sulfur dioxide caused by the eruption of Hawaii’s Mauna Loa (big mountain) volcano, Citma reported today.
According to the Geodynamic Observatory of the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais) of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (Citma), the emissions, while not directly threatening residents, indicate a high concentration in the upper layers of the sea atmosphere of the Gulf of Mexico and the western region of the country.
Cenais experts believe that the situation should be evaluated by the Cuban environmental authorities due to the possible impact on human health and other aspects such as acid rain, aspects that are evaluated in other countries where this gas from the volcano arrives .
A special release from the Institute of Meteorology’s Center for Air Pollution and Atmospheric Chemistry announced that a weekly forecast will be produced using the results of the Silam global air quality model, part of the Copernicus project.
He pointed out that no surface concentrations of sulfur dioxide have been detected in Cuba that exceed the maximum allowable concentration of 45 micrograms per cubic meter in 24 hours according to the Cuban standard NC 1020:2014.
Volcanic gases, mainly sulfur dioxide, are concentrated around the volcano’s crater and vents.
These can combine with other particles in the environment to form smog known as “vog,” which can spread throughout the Pacific Island and even reach other areas of the state.
Exposure to this smog can cause burning eyes, headaches and sore throats, and for those suffering from asthma or other breathing problems, it could be of medical concern.
Located on the island of Hawaii, Maula Loa had not erupted since 1984, and this time it began activity on November 27.
According to the United States Geological Survey, it has erupted 33 times since 1843.
(With information from Prensa Latina)
