WHO now says volcano ash cloud no health risk

GENEVA — The World Health Organization says the ash cloud over Europe poses no health risk beyond areas close to the volcano in Iceland. Dr. Carlos Dora of WHO says air quality monitoring shows pollution from the ash cloud isn't arriving at ground level in most of Europe. The message was in stark contrast to WHO's warning last week that Europeans should stay indoors if ash from the volcano starts settling because of potential dangers related to inhalation. Other experts weren't convinced the volcanic ash would have a major effect on health and said WHO's warning was overblown. Dora said Tuesday the plume could thin out high up in the air and no longer be a problem. — AP