THERE is a serious need to engage a consultant to carry out studies in Rabaul looking at short and long term effects of volcanic ash and gas on exposed communities.
This was a major concern raised by the Air Quality Study Committee in Rabaul.
The committee is made up of stakeholders from the Gazelle Restoration Authority, Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO), Rabaul urban local level government, Rabaul district and the provincial health division.
Spokesperson Herman Patia, who is also the acting director of RVO, said the committee was set up 10 years ago to help carry out studies and look at effects of volcanic ash and gas from Mt Tavurvur on communities who were currently being exposed to it.
He said seven years ago, two consultants had been engaged in the study but focused only on literature review and did not go to the extent of collecting samples and doing tests, hence, actually stating the effects of gas and dust.
Mr Patia said in 2005, RVO got hold of a volcanologist Dr Peter Bexta, who was based in England, but his response had been slow.
He said recently an officer from the World Health Organisation was in Rabaul town and upon seeing the dust was concerned and was reportedly willing to assist.

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