Hazardous Sulfur Dioxide Concentrations Measured at Kilauea Volcano

Today, HVO scientists measured concentrations greater than 10 ppm in a broad area adjacent to Halema`uma`u crater. Sulfur Dioxide gas is persistently emitted at Kilauea`s summit. Typical concentrations are generally negligible except for areas downwind of Halema`uma`u crater, where they can get up to 2.5 ppm (parts-per-million) in narrow zones.

When sulfur dioxide concentrations greater than 1 ppm (equal to 1,000 parts per billion) are measured at the Jaggar museum or at the Kilauea Visitor`s Center, the buildings are closed and employees and visitors are advised to relocate to areas with cleaner air. See http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/havoso2alert/havoalert.cfm .

High sulfur dioxide concentrations have been blamed for several fatalities, many amongst those having a history of asthma. The International Volcanic Health Hazard Network has compiled several studies indicating that 10-15 ppm concentrations of sulfur dioxide is a threshold of toxicity for prolonged exposure (http://www.esc.cam.ac.uk/ivhhn/guidelines/gas/so2.html).

HVO crews will continue to monitor the situation closely.

HVO will post updates at http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/hvostatus.php.

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