LINGERING CLOUD
Many analysts think the ash cloud will not linger over Europe for more than a few days. The volcano's previous eruption lasted over a year, but changes in wind and weather patterns could disperse the ash. If the volcano does continue to erupt, occasional disruption will be possible over six months or more, experts say. Much will depend on whether Eyjafjallajokull triggers a new eruption from the nearby and larger Katla volcano, which has happened in the past. That could magnify the impact.
ASH IN THE LUNGS
Volcanic ash could harm people with breathing problems, the World Health Organization said yesterday. About a quarter of the ash particles were believed to be less than 10 microns in size, the most dangerous because they could penetrate deeper in the lungs, the WHO saidt. "People with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, emphysema or bronchitis may be more susceptible to irritation if ash is in the lower atmosphere in high concentrations," it said. However, a British expert on respiratory disease said ash falling on Britain was unlikely to cause much harm.
"There is a massive diluting effect in the atmosphere as it gets dispersed by wind which means the amount reaching land is very small," said Ken Donaldson, professor of respiratory toxicology at the University of Edinburgh.
POLAND STATE FUNERAL PLANS
Poland pushed ahead yesterday with plans for the funeral tomorrow of president Lech Kaczynski, although the disruption to air traffic may prevent world leaders from attending. Presidents Barack Obama of the U.S., Dmitry Medvedev of Russia and Nicolas Sarkozy of France, and Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, pictured, are due to attend as well as 80 foreign delegations. However, Poland has closed its airspace and shut the airport in Krakow.
No dignitaries had so far cancelled their attendance, government spokesman Pawel Gras said, adding however any decisions would likely not be taken until today.
TRAIN TRAVEL UP
Eurostar, which runs trains between London and the European continent, said trains were operating at full capacity and it might lay on additional trains if necessary. London taxi firm Addison Lee said it had taken requests for journeys to Paris, Milan, Zurich and Salzburg, Austria.
