What's happened
A sulphur dioxide gas cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland is expected to return to parts of the UK on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. The Met Office reassures that the gas, while irritating, will have minimal impact on ground-level air quality. The eruption has prompted a state of emergency in Iceland.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Metro, the sulphur dioxide cloud is expected to cover parts of the UK starting early Tuesday, with the Met Office stating that it will have 'little influence on ground-level air quality.' Sky News echoes this sentiment, noting that while the gas can cause symptoms like sore throats and coughing, its high atmospheric presence mitigates immediate health risks. Metro also highlights the ongoing volcanic activity in Iceland, which has led to a state of emergency, emphasizing the localized nature of the eruption's effects. This contrast in focus between the potential health risks and the reassurance from meteorological authorities illustrates the complexity of public communication during environmental events.
How we got here
The sulphur dioxide cloud originated from a volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, which began on August 22, 2024. This marks the sixth eruption since December 2023, leading to local evacuations and a state of emergency in Iceland.
Common question
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What is the sulphur dioxide cloud affecting the UK and where is it coming from?
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More on these topics
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic, with a population of 364,134 and an area of 103,000 km², making it the most sparsely populated country in Europe. The capital and largest city is Reykjavík.
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The Meteorological Office, abbreviated as the Met Office is the United Kingdom's national weather service. It is an executive agency and trading fund of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy led by CEO Penelope Endersby, who took on