Toxic air warning: Britain engulfed with volcanic acidic cloud as health alert issued

A huge cloud of sulphur dioxide has spread across the UK from a volcanic eruption in Iceland as Britons are warned about the health risks of inhaling it.

Weather maps show the corrosive and acidic gas cloud has moved towards Britain which can cause a deterioration in air quality.

Sulphur dioxide can cause respiratory problems – such as bronchitis – and symptoms include a sore throat, coughing, a runny nose, burning eyes, tight lungs and difficulty breathing.

SO2 is produced from the combustion of fossil fuels that contain sulphur.

Volcanoes can produce huge quantities of it when they erupt – and in this case, the gas came from the eruption of a new fissure on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Thursday.

Prof Simon Carn shared a warning about the toxic gas on social media.

The Professor from Michigan Technological University, wrote: “Another batch of volcanic SO₂ en route to the UK / Ireland, courtesy of the latest eruption on Iceland ‘s #Reykjanes peninsula.

“Might cause some local AirQuality impacts in the coming days.”

More to follow…