Scouts Not Prepared For Volcanic Ash

At least 135 scouts at a national jamboree have been treated for respiratory ailments apparently caused by powdery volcanic ash from Mount Pinatubo.

About 24,000 boy scouts, 500 girl scouts and 8,000 scouting officials were taking part in a jamboree that began Monday at Clark Field, a former U.S. air base near Mount Pinatubo. Small delegations from Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and the United States were also attending.

News reports said at least 135 scouts were treated for respiratory problems including asthma, but Dr. Nemesio Santos, head of the camp’s medical staff, said the ailments were manageable and not serious.

Mount Pinatubo belched billions of tons of volcanic ash in 1991 in one of this century’s most violent volcanic eruptions, forcing the U.S. Air Force to abandon the base. Thick layers of volcanic dust still cover many areas around the mountain.