New article in The Conversation by Diana Rodríguez and Elena Jiménez on the consequences of the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano in La Palma.

Air pollution kills millions of people annually; it represents the highest risk factor for premature mortality worldwide.

Sometimes the exposure to air pollutants occurs during events in which pollution levels rise dramatically relative to average levels. This occurs, for example, during volcanic eruptions such as the one occurring in the island of La Palma from the Cumbre Vieja volcano. Today there are approximately 500 active volcanoes on Earth and each year there are 10 to 40 eruptions on average, which constitute one of the most important sources of toxic gases and particulate matter such as ash, smoke, and aerosols in the atmosphere. These emissions produce very adverse effects on the environment, the climate, and the health of exposed people, without forgetting that these natural disasters can cause devastating personal and economic damages.

Hoy en día hay aproximadamente 500 volcanes activos en la Tierra y cada año se producen de 10 a 40 erupciones de media, que constituyen una de las fuentes más importantes de gases tóxicos y material particulado (PM) como cenizas, humos y aerosoles en la atmósfera. Estas emisiones producen efectos muy adversos en el medio ambiente, el clima y la salud de las personas expuestas, sin olvidar que estos desastres naturales pueden provocar daños personales y económicos devastadores.

For the full article in: The Conversation.