Risk of Toxicity from Heavy Metal Release During Volcanic Eruptions and Its Impact on Human Health

Volcanic eruptions release heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and arsenic into the atmosphere and nearby soils, posing a significant risk to human health. This report focuses on assessing the dispersion of these elements from eruptions of volcanoes such as Kilauea (Hawaii), Popocatépetl (Mexico), and Etna (Italy). Mathematical models—including advection-diffusion and Gaussian dispersion models—are used to simulate the spread of these pollutants and analyze the decay of their concentrations as a function of distance and time. The study highlights the importance of monitoring emissions and developing effective mitigation strategies, alongside implementing environmental policies to safeguard public health.