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Peru volcano poses health risksPeru volcano poses health risks
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Thursday, April 27, 2006 (Lima):
Health officials believe people in the Ubinas volcano region in Peru are in danger of suffering serious health risks, even if the volcano never erupts.
According to the Peruvian Health Ministry's General Health and Atmospheric Directive (DIGESA), residents of nearby villages could contract "bronchial problems, asthma, irritation in the trachea and headaches."
Fausto Roncal, DIGESA's Director, said the volcano "is releasing particles of matter and gases" which are contaminating the air and water.
Officials evacuated hundreds of people from southern Peruvian villages this week.
State of emergency
Peru's President Alejandro Toledo issued a state of emergency for the area on Saturday after Ubinas - about 470 miles southeast of the capital, Lima - spewed acid-laden ash and vapours into the air, killing livestock and causing eye and respiratory problems for nearby residents.
Food, blankets, face masks and other supplies have been transported to the region, as officials continue to evacuate residents.
Between 40 to 60 livestock, including vicuna and llamas, died near the slopes of the crater.
"There isn't a single villager who enjoys watching his or her animal die. There has been a very negative psychological impact over them because of this. Food that they usually eat has also become contaminated," said Roncal.
Many more animals were reported ill, probably from drinking acid-contaminated water or eating ash-coated grass. (AP)
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The Beat
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photos of the volcano:
Scientists are installing seismographs to determine the current state of activity of the volcano.
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