Lung Function and Symptoms of Exposure to the Volcanic Eruption in the Canary Islands: First Follow-Up of the ASHES Study

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to gases and particulate matter released during volcanic eruptions can prove harmful to population health. This paper reports the preliminary results of the ASHES study, aimed at ascertaining the respiratory health effects of the 2021 volcanic eruption in La Palma Island (Spain) on the adult population without previous respiratory disease.

Methods: Ambispective cohort study on the healthy adult population. Three exposure groups were considered: Group 1, high exposure; Group 2, moderate exposure; and Group 3, minor or no exposure. We carried out a descriptive analysis of symptoms during and after the eruption, as well as measure lung function after the eruption (through forced spirometry and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide).

Results: The analysis included 474 subjects: 54 in Group 1, 335 in Group 2, and 85 in Group 3. A significant increase in most symptoms was observed for subjects in the groups exposed during the eruption. After the eruption, this increase remained for some symptoms. There seems to be a dose-response relationship, such that the higher the exposure, the higher the odds ratio. A prebronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio<70% was observed in 13.0% of subjects in Group 1, 8.6% of subjects in Group 2, and 7.1% of subjects in Group 3.

Conclusions: This study is the first to report a dose-response relationship between exposure to volcanic eruptions and the presence of symptoms in adults. Furthermore, there is a tendency toward obstructive impairment in individuals with higher exposure.

Keywords: Exposure; Lung function; Pollutants; Respiratory health; Respiratory symptoms; Volcanic eruption.