Health Issues Related to Volcanic Eruptions
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Dr. Frank Bia, an expert in infectious diseases and international health, joined AmeriCares after a 30-year career at the Yale University School of Medicine, where he served as Professor of both Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Laboratory Medicine (Clinical Microbiology). He was also co-director of the Yale/Johnson & Johnson Physician Scholars in International Health Program for young physicians training at Yale and elsewhere.
Read Dr. Bia's Bio > |
AmeriCares responded to a volcanic eruption in Congo which also affected nearby Rwanda (December 2002) as well as to the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991.
Injury-causing factors:
- Mixture of gas/ash/pumice and rock flows (rapid "pyroclastic" flows)
- Volcanic mud flows (not the same as above)
- Electrical storms (often accompany volcanic eruptions)
- Toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide and methane
Common injuries experienced during and after volcanic eruptions:
- Blunt trauma
- Burns
- Pulmonary problems (from the inhalation of ash and gases)
- Eye injuries during ash-removal
Important medical supplies during and after volcanic eruptions:
- Wound care supplies
- Antibiotics
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AmeriCares is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. AmeriCares Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 061008595.
