Changes in humoral immunologic parameters after exposure to volcanic ash

Abstract

Occupational exposure to volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens continues during the salvaging of trees in the high dust blow-down area of Washington. We studied the effects of volcanic ash exposure on the level of humoral immune factors IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C4, and ANA (antinuclear antibody) in a group of volcanic ash-exposed loggers shortly after the major eruption and one year later. Comparisons with similar levels in nonexposed, similarly employed, matched loggers were made. C3 and C4 levels were significantly lower at both time periods in the exposed loggers when compared to the reference group. No differences between groups were observed at either time period for the immunoglobulin levels or ANA. The exposed loggers did show a marked decrease (not seen in the reference group) in serum IgG levels after 1 yr of exposure to the volcanic ash. They likewise showed a significant mean increase in IgA, while the reference group had a mean increase in IgM after 1 yr. These data suggest that exposure to volcanic ash may affect humoral immunologic parameters.

Emergency room visits for respiratory conditions in children increased after Guagua Pichincha volcanic eruptions in April 2000 in Quito, Ecuador Observational Study: Time Series Analysis

“…However, it has been shown that physical immunologic barriers such as cilliary beating frequency and mucous lining can be altered after a short exposure to volcanic ash [33]. It has been reported that humoral immunologic parameters can also be affected by volcanic ash; for instance, workers exposed to volcanic ash had significantly lower C3 and C4 levels as well as marked decrease in serum IgG levels when compared to unexposed controls [34]. Immunological assays have shown that IgA, IgG, and albumin, airways proteins, play a protective role in mediating the effect of inhaled dust in human lungs [30].…”

Health Impact of Volcanic Emissions

“…Toxicological studies have suggested that exposure to volcanic ash could also have a negative impact on immunological defense and could increase the occurrence of biological redox reactions [13], which could lead to more frequent infections and to organic damage [14] ( Table 2). In addition to the inherent physical and emotional disruptions caused by eruptive events, the economic impact of these events has severe consequences at a regional level because the people most impacted are those who belong to low-income groups.…”

Public health aspects of volcanic hazards; Evaluation and prevention of excessive morbidity and mortality due to natural disasters

“…In addition. the various types of potentially hazardous physical (traumatic), biological (infectious), and chemical (toxic) exposures which may result directly or indirectly from a disaster may require medical surveillance and environmental monitoring of high-risk groups (Bernstein et al, 1982;Buist et al, 1983;Fraunfelder et al, 1983;Olenchock et al, 1983). The biological plausibility and public health importance of both delayed and acute effects should be considered, since more sophisticated methods of recognition, evaluation and secondary prevention may be needed for health effects which may become manifest after a period of prolonged latency (Buist, 1982).…”