The Directorate of Health
Eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula
20th December 2023
On the evening of December 18, a volcanic eruption began again in Reykjanes at Sundhnúks crater. The fissure was initially about 4 km long, and lava and gas came out of the fissure. No ash is detected in the atmosphere. The force of the eruption has decreased considerably and is now erupting from several vents on the fissure.
-Automatic translation
The public is not considered to be in immediate danger from the eruption, and the infrastructure does not appear to be in danger. Considerable gas pollution can be expected at the eruption site, and people are asked to follow instructions from the police in Suðurnes and the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management regarding access to the eruption site. It can also be expected that gas pollution will be noticed in nearby areas. Still, initial information indicates that the sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentration is lower or comparable to the gas pollution from the volcanic eruption in Fagradalsfjall.
The Icelandic Met Office has published a gas diffusion model on its website. Similarly, information on air quality can be found on the Environment Agency's website.
The Chief Epidemiologist draws attention to a brochure regarding Health hazards due to air pollution from volcanic eruption, which was prepared jointly with various institutions and non-governmental organisations. The booklet contains information about the possible effects of air pollution on human health. There, you can find information on how to protect yourself against air pollution due to volcanic eruptions. The booklet was published in Icelandic, English, and Polish.
The Chief Epidemiologist also maintains a website where you can find helpful information about the health effects of volcanic eruptions.
The Chief Epidemiologist