A plume rises near active fissures in the crater of Kilauea volcano on Monday. People are lining up to try to get a look at the volcano on the Big Island, which erupted Sunday night and spewed ash and steam into the atmosphere. A spokeswoman for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park says the volcanic activity is a risk to people in the park Monday and that caution is needed. U.S. Geological Survey / M. Patrick/ photo via AP
The eruption of Kilauea volcano that began Sunday could cause air quality hazards across the islands, the state Department of Health cautioned residents Tuesday.
While all activity is within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, vog conditions and sulfur dioxide air levels may increase and fluctuate in various areas of the state. Areas downwind of the summit, such as Pahala and Ocean View, have experienced increased levels of sulfur dioxide that may cause problems with respiratory health, especially in sensitive individuals.
Hawaii residents and visitors experiencing vog in their area should take the following precautions:
• Reduce outdoor activities that cause heavy breathing, especially for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and individuals with preexisting respiratory condtiions.
• Stay indoors and close windows and doors. If an air conditioner is on, set it to recirculate.
• If moving out of an impacted area, turn on the car’s air conditioner and set it to recirculate.
• Always keep medications on hand and readily available. Daily prescribed medications should be taken on schedule and may protect from the effects of sulfur dioxide.
• Contact a doctor as soon as possible if any health problems develop.
• Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Have family emergency plans prepared and ready.
• Heed warnings by county and state emergency management officials.
The department also warned that COVID-19 face coverings and masks do not protect from sulfur dioxide and vog.
Officials also offered the following resources on vog and air quality:
• Hawai’i Interagency Vog Information Dashboard, vog.ivhhn.org
• DOH’s Clean Air Branch’s near-real time network of air quality monitors,
• U.S. Geological Survey Kilauea updates,
• National Parks Service information on safely visiting the park,
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