Objective: During autumn 2002 a large eruption of Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy) occurred. High levels (over 200 microg/m3) of total suspended particles (PM10) were recorded. The aim of the study was to evaluate the acute health effects on mortality and hospital admissions in the area around the volcano.
Design: Deaths and hospital admissions occurring during the eruption period were compared with the corresponding figures during the same periods of the previous year (same day of the week). Relative risks, RR, and their 95% confidence intervals, CI, were computed. Variations in daily hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases associated with daily level of PM10 were estimated.
Results: No effects on overall and cause-specific mortality were observed during the eruption period. Increases were observed in hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases (ischemic diseases: RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.10-1.56; myocardial infarction: RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.76) and for cerebrovascular diseases (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.47). The excesses were stronger among the elderly. Daily admissions for cardiovascular diseases were not associated to PM10 levels.
Conclusion: The effects of the eruption of Mount Etna were limited to a temporary increase of cardiovascular morbidity, especially among the elderly, possibly as a consequence of stress.