An invisible and silent killer on the prowl

Today, everyone's in an incredible to-do because a volcano is exploding in Iceland and closing many UK airports. This is the second time in two years that something unpleasant has come from that North Atlantic island, which in itself is a volcanic manifestation from the Mid-Atlantic ridge. But if you think the banking crisis that stung plenty of investors or your travel plans are being disrupted are bad, there is something far worse in the air.
I noticed it last night - a strange haze, which is unusual on top of a hill where windy gusts often disperse it. In 1785, the Laki volcano erupted. It was not a 'conventional' conic version but one that rips right across the land, providing more dust than might have been expected from a conic one. This fine, gauzy dust swept across Europe killing many, especially labourers (be thankful that the recession has curtailed the building industry). It didn't do the Icelanders any good either, killing off a far higher percentage than any other place affected. But be warned, for the next few months while we deal with this current volcano we may have to become used to living in conditions of the Tube's Northern Line on a permanent basis. No-one is safe.