A cloud of sulfur dioxide hangs over France until Tuesday. It comes from an Icelandic volcano that erupted on Thursday. A few precautions to take.
People sensitive to SO2
Runny nose, itchy eyes, difficulty breathing…. There’s no doubt about it. Allergy sufferers have been noticing polluted air for a few days now. Blame it on this cloud of sulfur dioxide (SO2), a gaseous pollutant particularly harmful to the respiratory system, which comes from the Icelandic volcano Sundhnuksgigarod, which erupted last Thursday. Colorless, but not odorless, this gas has a sulfurous odor that varies in intensity depending on its concentration.
Cloud and rain, an acid cocktail
The toxic cloud flew over northern Europe and began to settle in the skies over France on the night of Saturday August 24 to Sunday August 25, according to Météo Express. It can be dangerous in large quantities or when exposed for long periods. If you’re allergic to SO2, it’s best to wait a few days before going out for sport or sunbathing.
It should be pointed out that these clouds must be highly concentrated to be of real concern to human health, or occur at the same time as rain, which can become acidic as it becomes loaded with sulfur dioxide. While this rain does not represent a direct danger to humans, it can have harmful effects on plants and animals.
Carbon monoxide coming & going around the globe covering land, crossing oceans,… Atmospheric circulation acting together with the consequences of many wildfires in Canada, South America, Central Africa & Siberia 🔥 Tongues of CO via #Copernicus #Sentinel5p 🛰️ Jul.1st-Aug.14th pic.twitter.com/4IVUAr4Z5F
— Iban Ameztoy (@i_ameztoy) August 15, 2024
Be careful today, France will be plunged into the cloud of sulfur dioxide (SO2). I give you the link to the animation that will allow you to follow this cloud depending on your place of residence:https://t.co/rP6a26vd4j pic.twitter.com/e1bul9LEFR
— SILVANO TROTTA OFFICIAL (@silvano_trotta) August 26, 2024