Sulphur dioxide cloud from volcano eruption in Iceland over France

A volcanic eruption in Iceland has seen a cloud of sulphur dioxide cover parts of Europe, including France. 

The cloud, despite emitting a faint sulphuric odour, is harmless to humans and there is no fear of breathing in noxious fumes.

A high concentration of sulphur dioxide can cause irritation to the respiratory system and eyes, but even at the highest altitudes in France – where concentration levels are higher – they are still far too low to cause a threat.

Winds swept the cloud across the Atlantic after a volcanic eruption from the Sundhnuksgigarod volcano, near Reykjavik on Thursday (August 22). 

A number of eruptions followed with the sixth emitting the sulphur dioxide. 

This was then blown south-east to the British Isles and mainland Europe.

Concentration will be highest around the Belgian border, Atlantic coast, and parts of the south-west, although even here the smell will be faint. 

From Tuesday (August 27) onwards, the clouds are expected to dissipate into the atmosphere, or move into neighbouring countries. 

Read more: The French couple who loved, lived and died studying volcanoes