AIR QUALITY ADVISORY

Posted on: March 26, 2009 | admin | Comments Off | Print Article | Rate Post:

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Southcentral AK #2009-02

LOCATION(S) IMPACTED: Western Kenai Peninsula including the cities of Clam Gulch, Ninilchik, Homer.

TIME/DATE OF UPDATE: Thursday, March 26, 11:00 AM.

VALID TIME: Valid until Friday, March 27, 11:00 AM.

TIME/DATE OF THE NEXT REPORT: If necessary Friday, March 27, 11:00 AM or unless conditions change significantly and warrant a timelier advisory.

ADVISORY: Small amounts of volcanic ash from eruptions of the Redoubt volcano are possible from Kenai south to Homer beginning this afternoon. It is believed that the ash content of the eruption clouds is low, so any ashfall is expected to be minor. To this point, eruptions appear to have been of short duration with the last one occurring around 9:30am today. However, once the ash stops being emitted, the possibility of health risks still continues from the ash on the ground for several weeks. At any time, winds or human activity can cause ash to be re-entrained into the air. People with respiratory conditions should be aware for the potential of ashfall in their area, and to use caution if it is observed.

OUTLOOK: The National Weather Service in Anchorage is forecasting winds to remain from the west or northwest thru Friday which will cause ash from any further eruptions to continue to travel to the east or southeast. Meteorological conditions will be closely monitored in the event of subsequent eruptions.

VOLCANIC DUST AND PUBLIC IMPACT: Ashfall restricts visibility, and is a general nuisance. Individuals exposed to airborne volcanic ash may experience various eye, nose and throat irritation. Although ash can cause discomfort, short-term breathing of volcanic ash is not known to pose a significant health hazard for healthy individuals. However, exposure to ash can make breathing difficult for infants, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments. People with existing respiratory conditions, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma, are more at risk for developing acute respiratory symptoms from breathing volcanic ash. Anyone in these risk groups should be particularly careful to avoid exposure. Contact your health provider if you are concerned about symptoms.

DEC advises everyone to avoid unnecessary exposure to ash. Wear a disposable face mask outdoors to reduce inhalation of ash particles. Dust masks can be purchased at most hardware stores. Masks that seal to the face provide the best protection. Alternatively, a wet cloth or bandana placed over the mouth and nose can help reduce exposure.

Contact lens wearers are advised to switch to eye glasses to reduce eye irritation from ash exposure. Wearing goggles can help to protect your eyes and wearing long sleeved shirts as well as gloves may be helpful.

Remember that pets are also susceptible to all of these same symptoms, and should be kept indoors or sheltered from ashfall as well.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For information on activity at the Redoubt Volcano, including aviation hazards, information on the transport of ash, current emissions, and other links, visit the National Weather Service website: http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov.

For specific information about the Redoubt Volcano, including seismic activity and the status of the current eruptions, visit the Alaska Volcano Observatory website at http://www.avo.alaska.edu. They also have a recording on the status of the volcano at (907) 786-7478 (local Anchorage number).