Poor air quality in the south of Iceland has prompted authorities to issue a warning advising local residents to remain indoors.<br /><br />Höfn, the most populous town in the area, recorded exceptionally high levels of sulpur dioxide, or SO2.<br /><br />Scientists have set the maximum level for short-term exposure at 5ppm (five parts of sulphur dioxide per million parts of air).<br /><br />It can be detected by taste at concentrations of 0.35-1.05 ppm. In Höfn, readings showed levels of 1.8ppm.<br /><br />Local residents were sent text messages urging them to close their windows and be alert for signs of SO2 poisoning.<br /><br />Doctor Elín Freyja Hauksdottir explained the symptoms.<br /><br />“Symptoms come mostly from the upper respiratory tract,” she said. “There is burning in the throat and nose and eyes and even a bad taste in your mouth. Then there are some whose symptoms go all the way down to the windpipe. People see this as a disaster situation, but they’re not making much of a fuss and are making suitable arrangements.”<br /><br />Parents have been advised to drive their children to school and to cover their mouths and noses while they are outside.<br /><br />The increased levels of air pollution are thought to be connected to the recent volcanic eruption in the Holuhraun lava field. <br /><br /><br /><br />Bardarbunga volcano, which lies in the region, has seen increased seismic activity since August 29.
