Your Cart is Empty
Volcanic eruptions have shaped civilizations, carved landscapes and rewritten history. Beyond the spectacle of fiery lava and towering ash clouds lies a quieter, more insidious threat—one that lingers long after the eruption itself. The toxic gases and fine particulates released during these events can severely impact air quality, disrupt ecosystems, and create lasting health challenges for humans and animals alike.
As history has shown, when the dust settles, the air doesn’t always clear. The question is: How do we protect ourselves and our animals from the invisible effects of volcanic air pollution? Prior to delving into to why volcanic eruptions can be so toxic to our health, let’s explore some examples from history.
Volcanic eruptions have influenced human civilization in profound ways, not only shaping geography but also altering the course of history through air pollution and climate disruption. From ancient disasters to modern-day eruptions, the impact of volcanic air pollution is undeniable. History is a stark reminder of the wide-reaching consequences of volcanic activity on air quality and respiratory health.
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii and Herculaneum under volcanic ash, killing thousands. While many perished from pyroclastic flows, recent studies suggest that oxygen deprivation played a deadly and significant role—with gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) displacing breathable air and silently suffocating victims before they were buried¹.
One of the deadliest eruptions in recorded history, Iceland’s Laki fissure eruption spewed vast amounts of sulfur dioxide and fluorine gas, creating a toxic haze that blanketed Europe. The resulting famine, acid rain, and respiratory illness contributed to the deaths of an estimated 25% of Iceland’s population and widespread disease across Europe².
The eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia remains the most powerful in recorded history. The vast amount of volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide released into the stratosphere caused global temperatures to drop, leading to the infamous “Year Without a Summer” in 1816. Crops failed across Europe and North America, and respiratory illnesses surged due to prolonged exposure to ash and air pollution³.
Located between the islands of Java and Sumatra in the Sunda Strait, Krakatoa is part of a volcanic island group known for its catastrophic eruption in 1883—regarded as one of the most violent volcanic events in recorded history. The catastrophic explosion of Krakatoa was so powerful that its shockwaves traveled around the world multiple times. The vast ash clouds and sulfuric emissions lowered global temperatures for years. The resulting climate anomalies led to food shortages, respiratory distress from prolonged ash exposure, and a dramatic shift in atmospheric conditions⁴.
The eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington state (USA) sent an ash cloud 15 miles into the sky, darkening daylight and coating the region in a thick layer of particulates. In the weeks and months that followed, residents suffered from chronic respiratory issues and animals choked on the fine ash particles infiltrated the lungs of near-by living beings. Agricultural ecosystems faced an uphill battle against air pollution-induced crop failures, disrupting the region’s agriculture and economy. The eruption wasn’t just an isolated event—it was a lasting disruption to air quality and human lung health. This catastrophic event led to long-term lung health concerns, as people exposed to the ash developed persistent respiratory conditions⁵.
The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines released massive amounts of sulfur dioxide, cooling global temperatures and contributing to severe weather anomalies. The fine ash and toxic gases caused widespread respiratory ailments and agricultural devastation⁶.
When Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010, it wasn’t lava that sent shockwaves across the world—it was airborne ash. Flights across Europe were grounded, impacting millions. While the immediate danger was to aviation, the true toll came in the form of respiratory distress. Fine volcanic particulates worsened asthma, bronchitis, and lung disease across the affected regions⁷. The eruption served as a stark reminder that even from thousands of miles away, compromised air quality knows no borders.
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, has been in a near-constant state of eruption. Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Etna has erupted multiple times in recent years, spewing ash and gas that disrupt flights and impact local air quality as it settles over towns and farmland. Not only do residents in surrounding towns frequently contend with layers of volcanic dust covering their homes, cars, and crops, the long-term exposure to fine volcanic ash raises concerns about respiratory health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung conditions. Breathing in volcanic particulates daily increases risk of lung disease, asthma flare-ups and chronic respiratory issues. The ongoing emissions from Etna serve as a modern reminder of how volcanic air pollution affects everyday life⁸.
A volcanic eruption is more than just an explosion—it’s an environmental overhaul that transforms the air we breathe. The gases and particulates released can drastically alter atmospheric conditions, creating air that’s difficult—or even dangerous—to inhale. Moreover, the gases and particulates released can create an oxygen-depleted, toxic environment miles from the eruption site.
When an eruption alters the atmosphere, humans and animals alike struggle to adapt. The immediate risks include suffocation, respiratory distress, and eye irritation, but the long-term effects are equally concerning.
Immediate Effects: Exposure to volcanic gases and ash can cause asphyxiation, respiratory distress, and skin and eye irritation. Ashfall can also reduce visibility, disrupt transportation and contaminate water supplies.
Long-Term Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to fine volcanic ash is linked to chronic lung disease, cardiovascular stress and an increased risk of neurological damage.
Ecosystem Disruptions: Wildlife, particularly birds and small mammals, are highly vulnerable to toxic gases and ash. Volcanic acid rain can pollute water sources, devastate crops and collapse local food chains.
While nature eventually recovers from an eruption, the human body can struggle to do the same when air quality remains compromised. In an era where pollution and environmental disruptions continue to threaten clean breathing, understanding the critical role of oxygen in survival and well-being is more important than ever. The need for clean, breathable air isn't just about comfort—it's about survival.
History tells us that the air we breathe can be the difference between life and death. Whether it’s through emergency preparedness, air filtration, or access to high-purity oxygen in crisis situations, like Oxygen Plus, the fundamental need for clean air remains unchanged—whether we’re facing the fiery aftermath of a volcano or the modern pollutants of everyday life.
At Oxygen Plus, we provide portable, high-purity oxygen* designed to help you breathe better, feel sharper, and recover faster—wherever you are. Shop our oxygen canisters today and safeguard your breath in any environment. Live and travel smart with Oxygen Plus on your everyday adventure!
