Geothermal Hazards

Areas with Geothermal activity can be quite amazing and quite dangerous. Along with the dangers from the extreme heat, numerous toxins are released in these areas which can contaminate local water and food supplies.

Some informative links:

California Geothermal Hazards

Nevada Geothermal issues

USGS on Yellowstone

New Zealand

The Many Hazards of Geothermal

For those living with Geothermal Hazards:
Burn care from Health Square

MedlinePlus burn care

Dangers
(some info from the Many Hazards of Geothermal -above):

Scalding hot water
    Can cause horribly bad burns including death.

Geyser eruptions
    Often sudden and can include scalding hot water and steam. Can also contain silica which can stick to glass surfaces and ruin them.

Amoebic meningitis
   Amoebic meningitis is a microscopic organism that can infect through contaminated water. It can enter through the nose and move up into the brain causing death. Water must be chlorinated to prevent infection. If symptoms occur, medical attention should be given immediately.
    Symptoms include:
      severe and persistent headache
        sore throat
        nausea and vomiting
        hight fever and sleepiness

Geothermal Chemicals in water
    Often contains arsenic and mercury (both toxic) and not suitable for drinking. Also, can be either acidic or alkaline and cause damage to skin and/or clothing or jewelry.

Boiling mud
    Danger of hot mud that can cause burns. Can explode unpredictably causing mud to fly and cause burns to skin and possessions.

Steam and other gases
    Steam can cause burns and reduced vision on roads. Steam from geothermal areas can contain toxic gases that can cause death in too much in inhaled.

Geothermally altered ground
    The ground under geothermal areas can consist of a thin crust over an underground cave that could break and cause the individual to fall into a geothermal stream.

Landslides
    Geothermal activity can alter te ground causing unstable areas that can lead to landslides.

Hydrothermal eruptions
    Occur spontaneously and can be quite dangerous. Occurs when water quickly turns into steam.