Because of the ash fall from the volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökull, the Icelandic Civil Protection Department has announced that it is necessary for people to wear dust masks in the regions where ash is visible.
Fluorine poisoning can prove dangerous to horses. The photo is not directly related to the story. By Páll Stefánsson.
Earlier today, mbl.is falsely reported that the Civil Protection Department had asked people to wear dust masks everywhere in the country due to the unpredictability of the wind direction.
According to a more recent story on mbl.is, the chemical composition of the ash has not yet been defined but it is possible that it contains fluorine, which can prove toxic. For further information, contact the Directorate of Health.
The Civil Protection Department posted the following information about the volcanic eruption on its website earlier today:
The force of the volcanic eruption under the Eyjafjallajökull glacier appears to be steady, although last night and this morning there has been explosive activity that is associated with volcanic ash fall.
The extent of the ash fall in the immediate vicinity of the glacier is being investigated. Samples have been collected and have been sent for examination.
Preliminary findings indicate that the area around the glacier and the Mýrdalssandur plain to the east of the glacier have been affected.
The volcanic ash has fallen to ground unevenly and sporadically, in some places in a layer up to three mm thick.
Inhabitants of the area describe the ash as being black to grey in color and very fine, similar to flour or sugar grains.
Volcanic ash fall has also seriously restricted ground visibility in some areas. Scientists do not discount the risk of further volcanic activity and associated risk of flooding.
The flow of water into the glacial lagoon is being closely monitored. Cloud cover over the glacier makes observation of the eruption from the ground difficult.
The police have restricted travel on roads leading to Vík, Mýrdalssandur and Kirkjubaejarklaustur in the east.
Repair work continues on the bridges over Markarfljót. Those traveling by road in the south of Iceland are requested to drive with caution.
International weather observatories in co-operation with the Icelandic Met Office are monitoring the weather conditions and the projected path of the volcanic ash cloud.
Under the present conditions it is being carried towards Europe and Scandinavia. Air travel restrictions have been implemented in several European countries.
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