Volcano tourism is becoming increasingly popular in practically all volcanic regions of the earth. Because the specific risks associated with these environments are not generally known, tourists travelling to such regions should be made aware of the potential health hazards they may encounter. With the objective of enhancing awareness amongst practitioners of travel medicine, the present paper reviews the potential effects of volcanic gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid (HCl). It also reviews the negative health impacts of tephra and ash, lava flows, landslides, and mudslides. Future research aimed at quantifying the health risks facing volcano tourists is recommended.
