Just days after elevated levels of toxic PM2.5 particles in the air above parts of Japan were blamed on pollution from China, scientists identified an erupting volcano as the real culprit.
A study by Japan's Meteorological Research Unit determined that the most recent wave of PM2.5 reported in central parts of the country and around Tokyo were in fact due to volcanic gas carrying sulphur dioxide from Mount Sakurajima in southern Kyushu. PM2.5 are the tiny airborne particles considered most harmful to health.
The volcano, which towers above the city of Kagoshima, has been classified as active since 1955 and hundreds of minor eruptions every year have ensured that a steady stream of ash is spewed out.
Source: NewsOnJapan
