News

Fijians warned of acid rain

January 17, 2022 4:50 pm

The Ministry of Environment confirms that the Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) concentration in the atmosphere has increased overnight which could result in acidic rainfall over the country.

Vegetables and crops should be thoroughly washed with water before consumption.

Minister for Environment Doctor Mahendra Reddy says this is to minimize risks of health complications with possible acidic rainfall in the coming days following the volcanic eruptions in Tonga over the weekend.

Dr.Reddy is also advising people not to consume rainwater during this period.

Article continues after advertisement

“They should not consume this water unless it was covered. They should wash the agricultural produce. That they are consuming because it will get exposed to sulphuric acid.”

The Ministry of Environment had confirmed earlier today that the Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) concentration in the atmosphere has increased overnight which could result in acidic rainfall over the country.

Dr Reddy says this assessment was made after thorough monitoring of the air quality in Fiji following the volcanic eruption in Tonga over the weekend.

“Sulphur, when it gets mixed with water, forms Sulphuric acid and sulphuric acid is not good for the human body- you’ll have burns, you’ll have itchiness and you can also inhale the fumes of it.”

As previously advised, the Ministry of Environment is requesting that members of the public cover all household water tanks and stay indoors in the event of rain due to the risk of acid rain.