Geotourism and volcanoes: Health hazards facing tourists at volcanic and geothermal destinations

Summary 

Volcano tourism and tourism to geothermal destinations is increasingly popular. If such endeavors are to be a sustainable sector of the tourism industry, tourists must be made aware of the potential health hazards facing them in volcanic environments. With the aim of creating awareness amongst the tourism industry and practitioners of travel medicine, this paper reviews the potential influences and effects of volcanic gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid (HCl). It also reviews the negative health impacts of tephra and ash, lava flows, landslides, and mudflows. Finally, future research striving to quantify the health risks facing volcano tourists is recommended.

Keywords: Geotourism, Volcano tourism, Geothermal, Health, Hazard