Have you ever heard of something curious called “Skin Hair”? No, dear reader, we are not referring to the locks or style adopted by our eternal King Pelé, but to a phenomenon associated with volcanic eruptions that has been observed in certain areas of Hawaii - due to the recent activity of Kilauea. But, before we explain what this Skin Hair is, here's a picture:

It is very similar to hair! (SFGate / Historical / Corbis / Getty Images)

It looks like hair, right? Only it's not! Large amounts of this material have been observed on Big Island, Hawaii, the area most affected by the latest Kilauea eruption that began in early May. Although they look like lots and lots of hair, according to Laura Geggel of Live Science, the above tangle consists of fiberglass - and yes, it can be dangerous for humans and animals that come into contact with the sharp ones. lint

Blond Hair

According to Laura, each of the fibers you saw in the image above usually have a very smooth surface - although some may be a little rougher too - and measure between 1 and 2 micrometers in diameter, which means that at least in regards By appearance, the hair really resembles hair.

Glass "Hair" Covered (SFGate / USGS)

The fibers form when air bubbles present in the lava burst on the surface of the stream, sending the outermost "film" away. When this occurs, some of this material ends up stretching and forming thin wires, some of which may even measure more than half a meter in length. Another thing that happens is that when these lava strips cool down, they turn into glass.

In the middle of volcanic rock (SFGate / Gregory MD./Getty Images / Science Source)

According to Laura, the fibers usually form with a glass ball at the end, but it almost always breaks, and the danger of the hair is that, when it comes to very thin glass, they have sharp ends and can cut. The worst thing, however, is that because it is a very lightweight material, lint can be carried by the wind and fall into trouble spots.

Hindrance

In previous eruptions that generated the formation of Fur Hair, the glass strands ended up falling into animal drinking fountains and affecting the inhabitants who collect rainwater. This is because, because it is such a thin material, depending on the filter installed in the system used, the fibers can pass through it and mix with the liquid.

Tangle (SFGate / Biophoto Associates / Getty Images / Science Source)

And while there are no reports of serious deaths or complications related to the consumption of this material - either animal or human - contact with the glass strands can cause irritation, especially in the respiratory and digestive system.

In conclusion, were you curious about the name "Skin Hair"? Well, in addition to what we have already mentioned, that the fibers look similar to hair even, a local legend in Hawaii associates volcanic eruptions with the wrath of the goddess Pele, the Hawaiian deity of fire. Incidentally, in the case of activity going on since May there, some locals believe Pele is only reclaiming his territory - that humans have decided to invade and occupy.

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