A health survey of workers on the island of Montserrat

Since the volcanic eruption on Montserrat in 1995, residents of the island have been exposed to, sometimes high, concentrations of volcanic ash. The aim of this study, funded by the Department for International Development, was to identify any increased risk of respiratory ill health among Montserratian workers which might be associated with volcanic ash exposure. The target study group was all workers from occupational groups with potentially high volcanic ash exposures.A medical survey was carried out during October 2000, comprising respiratory symptoms questionnaire, lung function tests and chest radiograph. Data on age, sex, smoking habit, occupation and personal exposure to volcanic ash were also collected. A total of 421 subjects attended the survey. Prevalence of respiratory symptoms was relatively low. Proportionally fewer respiratory symptoms were reported than in a concurrent study of Montserratians who had relocated to the UK. There was no evidence of radiological abnormalities on the chest radiographs. Respiratory symptoms and lung function were both associated with ash exposure; in particular, symptoms were associated with exposure from heavy ash clearing activities and lung function with work as a gardener or roadworker (two of the dustiest occupations on the island). There was no evidence that other exposures (residential, domestic cleaning) affected subjects’health. “”