Important Information about VOG
This web-portal, developed through a multi-agency response team, comprised of the Hawai‘i State departments of Health, Agriculture, Civil Defense, and the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, provides comprehensive, up-to-date information regarding the current status of VOG on the Big Island of Hawai‘i.
For current reports on the Kilauea Eruption, visit http://www.lavainfo.us/.
 What is VOG? Vog is a term that refers to volcanic smog. It is the haze you may see in the air that is caused by a combination of weather, wind conditions and volcanic activity. Vog becomes thicker or lighter depending upon the amount of emissions from Kilauea volcano, the direction and amount of wind, and other weather conditions. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions are more prone to adverse effects of vog which may include: headaches, breathing difficulties, increased susceptibility to respiratory ailments, watery eyes, and sore throat. The long-term health effects of vog are unknown.
 Am I affected? Island of Hawai‘i: Recent changes in volcanic activity at Halemaumau crater at the Kilauea summit have created potential health hazards for people with respiratory conditions and others on the island of Hawai‘i. Government and private agencies are working together to monitor volcanic emissions and provide the most reliable information to help those affected make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Changing and unpredictable conditions such as weather, wind direction and the amount of volcanic activity make it difficult to provide specific guidance for every situation. The Department of Health (DOH) advises Hawai‘i island residents to get updates and advisories on vog and volcanic emissions from the County of Hawai‘i Civil Defense local radio broadcasts and their website at www.scd.hawaii.gov. All Other Islands: Residents of all other islands are not expected to be at risk for exposure to high sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels from Kilauea volcano emissions. The distance from the Kilauea volcano is too great for SO2 to travel across the ocean in high enough concentrations to create health risks for people on islands other than Hawai‘i. For more information on areas affected, visit Volcanic Hazards Program. Current EPA AIR NOW forecast.
What precautionary measures should I take for myself and my family? Elevated levels of SO2 can cause breathing problems in individuals especially those with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis. If you have respiratory conditions and live or work in an area impacted by SO2 or vog, consider taking precautionary measures. The following are general recommendations from the American Lung Association (link: http://www.ala-hawaii.org/airquality.asp): 
While these recommendations are intended primarily for persons having respiratory or chronic lung disease, they are also useful for healthy persons during vog episodes. Click here for a printable one-page PDF file on precautionary measures for elevated sulfur dioxide on the Big Island.
Additional Information State Civil Defense – www.scd.hawaii.gov Hawai‘i County Civil Defense - http://co.hawaii.hi.us/cd/ Hawai‘i State Department of Health – www.hawaii.gov/health Hawai‘i State Department of Agriculture – www.hawaii.gov/doa Hawaiian Volcano Observatory – http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/ Volcanic Air Pollution – http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs169-971 Current SO2 Conditions – Kilauea Summit – www.nature.mps.gov/air/webcams/parks/havoso2alert/avoalert.cfm Precautionary Measures for Elevated Sulfur Dioxide – http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/air/cab/cab_precautions.html
For guidance regarding respiratory problems, please contact the Hawaii Chapter of the American Lung Association via telephone at 808-537-5966. For air quality questions, please contact the State of Hawai`i Department of Health Clean Air Branch via telephone at 808-586-4200. On the island of Hawai`i, for concerns about SO2 and protective measures, please contact Hawai`i Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 or the Department of Health at 808-933-0917(Hilo) or 808-322-1507(Kona) for additional information. |
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