Emissions from Kilauea Volcano - Laserfiche WebLink

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Sulfur Dioxide (S02) Since late December, 2007, sulfur dioxide emissions from Halema'uma'u crater have been increasing. The increase was gradual but steady until March 12, when emissions increased greatly. The major problem and the greatest danger of the emissions from the Halema'uma'u site is its close proximity to people. It is expected that any area down wind of the vent site of Halema'uma `u can expect S02 levels to be higher than in previous years. The areas affected and the exposure levels are so very difficult to predict as they are almost totally dependent on weather conditions, primarily wind direction and wind speed, as well as the varying S02 emission rate at Halema'uma'u Crater. Health effects: Sulfur dioxide is irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract. Short-term exposure to elevated levels of S02 may cause inflammation and irritation, resulting in burning of the eyes, coughing, difficulty in breathing and a feeling of chest tightness. "Sensitive groups" are children and those with pre- existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and chronic lung or heart disease. These people are especially sensitive to S02 and may respond to very low levels in the air. Prolonged or repeated exposure to higher levels may be dangerous to children and persons with pre- existing respiratory conditions. A color -coded condition /response table for sulfur dioxide has been developed and is included in this brochure for your reference. These color codes will be used when information is released on the current levels of S02 at various sites. How will the public be informed? A system of daily public notification and emergency advisories has been established. Scheduled advisories will be made to inform you of the sulfur dioxide condition status. The condition status color codes shown at right have been established by the emergency response agencies, and will be used to keep you informed. The condition status will be determined based on sulfur dioxide reports from field monitoring systems and weather factors. SULFUR DIOXIDE INFORMATION Condition Recommended Response Sensitive Groups': Highly GREEN sensitive individuals may be affected at these levels Everyone else: Potential health Trace effects not expected. Sensitive Groups': Avoid outdoor Y YELLOW activity Everyone else: Potential health effects not expected, however Light actions to reduce exposure to vog may be useful Sensitive Groups : Avoid outdoor ORANGE activity and remain indoors Everyone else: Potential health effects not expected, however Moderate actions to reduce exposure to vog may be useful Sensitive Groups : avoid outdoo activity and remain indoors RED People experiencing respiratorv- related health effects: Consider High leaving the area Everyone else: Avoid outdoor activit Sensitive Groups as well as everyone else: Avoid outdoor PURPLE activity and remain indoors People experiencing respiratory related health effects: Leave Extreme the area and seek medical help Everyone: Leave the area if directed by Civil Defense zienslriye Groups = cnaaren, and individuals with pre- existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, lung or heart disease. The most important thing to understand about the S02 information codes is that YOUR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS WILL USE THESE CODES, ESPECIALLY RED AND PURPLE, TO INFORM YOU OF A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS LEVEL OF S02. In the event that S02 reaches the red or purple level information will be given to the public utilizing all means available, including radio stations and field units. Ash Fall Volcanic ash is composed of fine rock particles erupted from the new vent in the Halema'uma'u crater. This volcanic ash is cooled when it falls to the ground so heat is not a hazard factor in residential areas. Size of ash from this emission at Halema'uma'u varies from grit -like to fine like talcum powder to particles so small they can be inhaled. Residents of Ka'u describe it as "like dust." Ash fall has recently been reported from the areas of Pahala, Na'alehu and South Point communities in Ka'u. Health effects: The volcanic ash in the air comes in various sizes. In general, larger particles will fall out closest to the source, and the finer particles will be carried longer distances. Fine particles of ash can be inhaled into the lungs and cause chest discomfort with increased coughing. Common short-term symptoms may include coughing and irritation. People with pre- existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis are more prone to the adverse effects of the ash fallout. Common symptoms include the following: • Runny nose and /or sore throat • Worsening of pre- existing respiratory conditions • Difficulty in breathing Other potential health effects of exposure to ash may include eye and skin irritation. 0 0 "Vog" is a very familiar term used in Hawai'i to describe the hazy conditions caused by volcanic emissions. Vog is the result of the gases being emitted into the air mixing with water vapor and very small particles, primarily sulfur compounds and sulfur dioxide. The S02 in vog is greatest near the sources ( Halema'uma'u and Pu'u 'O'o). S02 levels generally are reduced at greater distances from the source. For example, although vog haze may be heavy in West Hawaii, the S02 levels are typically very low due to the distance away from the source at Kilauea. In short, you cannot judge the amount Of S02 in the air and its danger to you by how heavy the vog is. And it is important to know that the S02 level can be high with only light vog. Health effects: Health effects from vog exposure vary greatly among individuals. People with pre- existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis are more prone to the adverse effects of the vog. Common symptoms include the following: • Headaches • Breathing difficulties • Increased susceptibility to respiratory ailments • Watery eyes • Sore throat Protective Measures for your Health To reduce the health impacts of the hazards of sulfur dioxide, ash fall and vog, the following protective actions are effective to reduce exposure to all three types of emissions, unless otherwise noted. These are general recommendations from the American Lung Association of Hawai'i and supported by the Department of Health: • Stay indoors and use an air conditioner if available. • Reduce flow of outdoor air into homes by closing doors and windows. • Avoid outdoor physical exertion (especially impor- tant for the sensitive groups of children and individuals with pre- existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and chronic lung or heart disease). • Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any problems develop, as respiratory conditions might become worse rapidly in heavy sulfur dioxide or vog conditions. • Always keep medications on hand and readily available. • For sulfur dioxide and vog only: Drink plenty of liquids; warm liquids seem to work best. • For ash and vog only: Most residential air cleaners /air purifiers are designed for removing dust and particulates. Good air purifiers are helpful to reduce particulates in the air (vog and ash). These types of air cleaners do not remove gases such as sulfur dioxide. Be careful what you buy. • For ash only: Avoid ash fallout. • For ash only: Masks, damp cloths or damp handkerchiefs to cover your mouth and nose are useful when protecting yourself from ash fallout. (These measures are not effective in removing gases such as sulfur dioxide). Mask use is for temporary relief and is not recommended for extended use. If you find it difficult to breathe with a mask on, discontinue use.