'It's a nightmare': What life is like under Mount Etna's cloud of ash

When Emilia Privitera first started experiencing persistent coughing in March 2021, she initially suspected COVID-19. After testing negative, she thought it might be a seasonal allergy. However, the cough persisted for weeks, accompanied by a hissing sound in her lungs. She lives in Nicolosi, a town near Catania, perched on Mount Etna’s slopes. At every eruption—often multiple times a year—her symptoms return, affecting hundreds of residents in the area. Recent eruptions have grounded flights and drawn international attention, but the health impacts on those living near the volcano remain understated. Volcanic ash, composed of fine rock, mineral, and glass particles, can linger on roofs and streets for years. While it acts as a mineral-rich fertilizer, inhaling it poses health risks, particularly for children, older adults, and those with chronic respiratory conditions. A 2013 study on Etna’s 2002 eruptions found increased emergency visits for respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular conditions during eruptions. Dr. Daniele Lombardo, co-author, explained that fine ash particles penetrate deep into lungs, causing inflammation and oxidative stress. The University of Palermo has linked elevated thyroid cancer rates to prolonged exposure. Dr. Nunzio Crimi, a pulmonologist in Catania, noted that patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions experience worsening symptoms during ashfall. Emergency department visits in Catania surged during recent eruptions, with symptoms including eye irritation, coughing, and nasal congestion. Iceland’s 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption also caused lasting respiratory and psychological distress among exposed residents. Animals suffer too: cattle can die from fluoride poisoning if they consume contaminated grass. Inadequate ash removal exacerbates health risks, as air blowers resuspend particles instead of permanently removing them. Local politician Riccardo Castro warns that long-term exposure to ash particles can lead to serious health effects, especially for those born near the volcano. Residents in Nicolosi and Catania have long struggled with self-managed ash collection, with no proper guidelines or infrastructure. Delia Zappalà, a Nicolosi resident, described the situation as a 'nightmare,' as they must handle ash themselves. While wearing masks during eruptions offers temporary relief, experts like Paolo Roccaro from the University of Catania argue that transforming ash into a resource—such as a partial cement replacement—could mitigate health impacts. A recent Sicilian decree aims to reclassify ash as reusable material, potentially benefiting industries and reducing waste. However, the region lags behind Japan in ash management technology and planning, treating eruptions as emergencies rather than persistent problems requiring long-term solutions.