Dealing with health hazards of toxic gases generated by volcanic and geothermal activity

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Dealing with health hazards of toxic gases generated by volcanic and geothermal activity

12 February 2020

David McBride

Wednesday 12 February 2020, 12:00 AM

Geothermal activity is a potent source of hydrogen sulphide

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

The eruption at Whakaari/White Island would have emitted sulphur dioxide, among other hazards. Hydrogen sulphide is another dangerous gas that has been responsible for a number of deaths in New Zealand. Occupational health expert David McBride discusses the health effects of these two gases

Key points, Sulphur dioxide was emitted by the eruption on Whakaari/White Island, but it is also an important environmental contaminant in many industries. The

Occupational Health

Disaster

References

References:
1. Nairn IA, Houghton BF, Cole JW. Volcanic hazards at White Island, 2nd ed. Palmerston North: Ministry of Civil Defence; 1996. https://bit.ly/2GhzRZ0
2. Jiang J, Chan A, Ali S, et al. Hydrogen sulphide–Mechanisms of toxicity and development of an antidote. Sci Rep 2016;6:20831.

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How to Treat

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Heart failure

Pharmacist prescribers Linda Bryant and Leanne Te Karu discuss positive polypharmacy for heart failure. Current evidence shows the intensive implementation of four medications offers the greatest benefit to most patients with heart failure, with significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality, heart failure hospitalisations and all-cause mortality

Wednesday 29 January 2025, 12:45 AM