Health Department: Vog poised to be a growing threat as eruption continues
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state Health Department said the eruption at Mauna Loa could negatively impact air quality, and is urging those with respiratory conditions to take precautions.
On Monday, air quality monitors were not showing any problem areas in population centers.
Air Quality Resources
- Hawaii Interagency Vog Information Dashboard
- DOH Clean Air Branch
- U.S. Geological Survey Mauna Loa Volcano Updates
“However, the eruption could cause vog conditions, ash in the air, and levels of sulfur dioxide to increase and fluctuate in various areas of the state,” Health Department officials said.
“Conditions are changing rapidly, and poor air quality may be very localized.”
Those more susceptible to vog are being asked to stay aware of changing conditions.
Straub Allergist and Immunologist, Dr. Jeffrey Kam said those with breathing difficulties should stay indoors with air condition or an air purifier.
Additionally, face masks can be effective against particulates ― like falling ash and Pele’s hair, or shards of glass. But they will not protect you against sulfur dioxide, vog or other gases.
“The n95s are best they do not get rid of the chemicals unfortunately, though, so it does help with the particulate dust and particles, even Peles hair,” said Kam.
On Monday night, there were some people who drove out to Mauna Kea State Recreation Area wearing masks.
“We ask the children to wear mask and us too just to be safe,” said Christina Yuan.
“I feel safer with the mask because it smells kind of bad, but with the mask it helps a little,” said one little girl.
Common symptoms to look out for when exposed to vog include headaches, watery eyes, sore throat, flu-like symptoms, and lack of energy.
Although vog isn’t filling skies over Oahu, Professor Stephen Businger of UH’s Department of Atmospheric Sciences said emission could travel across the islands depending on wind conditions.
“Even though there’s a lot of vog entering the atmosphere, their forecast doesn’t really indicate that we’re going to see a lot of it at ground level over the next few days.” said Businger. “The winds are from the south, however, aloft and so the fog is moving northward.”
A UH map shows vog moving toward Maui County.
For more information, click here.
Copyright 2022 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
