Human Ecological Study on Health Impacts of Volcanic Eruption

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The volcanic eruption of Unzen-Fugen mountain has ceased in 1995 but many dwellers in Shimabara city and Fukae town are still conflicting with many difficulties caused by changes of subsistance economies and residential places. Continious field studies through volcanic eruption revealed following points. 1) Populations of disasterous areas had rapidly decreased by refuge of dwellers for avoiding acute eruption and this trend is still continued even after volvanic action has ceased. The rapid increase of still birth rate was observed at the early stage of eruption. Mortality rate from respiratory diseases seems to be higher than other areas. Chronic effects on respiratory system **oud be continously examined. 2) According with decline of frequency of eruption, irritant symptoms in eyes and thoat have rapidly became to be less frequent, but those in respiratory system have slowly decreased. 3) By analysis on relationship with asthma and domestic environment among school children, changes of family member by volcanic eruption seemed to affect significantly the incidence of asthma attack. 4) Follow up studies revealed that mental health condition of refugees hsve been stressful even though the volcanic eruption has ceased. Administration on mental health care should be necessary for preventing Post Traumatic Disorders.