The Mount Ruapehu eruption, 1996: a review of potential health effects

Literature search and consultation with New Zealand experts were used to review the potential health effects of explosive volcanic eruptions, and possibilities for their control, in the context of the 1996 eruption and possible future eruptions of Mount Ruapehu. Humans may be exposed to several types of hazardous ejecta during and after volcanic eruptions. Such exposure may cause health effects that could require surveillance and control, but health effects in New Zealand are unlikely to be detectable while eruptions remain small and infrequent. The existing health surveillance systems in New Zealand are adequate to monitor and help control the possible health effects of volcanic eruptions.