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.
Monitor current air conditions.
Learn about the Department of Health's VOG help line. Air Quality Advisory July 29, 2008 - The Hawai`i Department of Health and the Hawai`i County Civil Defense report that recent activity at the Kīlauea volcano has resulted in some temporary increased levels (spikes) of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulates occurring mainly in the early morning hours in the communities closest to the vent areas in the districts of Ka‘ū and Puna. On July 24, 2008, air monitors in Pāhala in the Ka‘ū District recorded a spike of sulfur dioxide between 9:00 am and 10:00 am of almost 9 parts per million (ppm), which is considered extremely high and Color Code Purple. The Department of Health advises that exposure to such elevated levels of sulfur dioxide can pose an immediate health threat to people who have asthma and other respiratory conditions. It is nearly impossible to forecast these temporary episodes of potentially hazardous air quality, since levels can change significantly in minutes. The sulfur dioxide level is dependent upon the SO2 output from the Kīlauea volcano, variable winds, and weather patterns that change on short notice. On July 24, within 45 minutes, the SO2 level spiked from 0 ppm to 8.9 ppm (which represents a dangerous level) and fell immediately back to 0 ppm. It should be noted that the presence or absence of visible vog is not a reliable indication of the sulfur dioxide level. People in sensitive groups such as those with asthma, heart or lung disease, and older adults can be particularly vulnerable and need to be alert and aware of their own health situation. Anyone who experiences symptoms of respiratory problems that may be triggered by emissions from the volcano should have an emergency action plan. In all cases, people reacting to volcanic emissions must know when to seek medical care or take protective measures such as staying indoors with the windows closed or relocating to a safe area.
 Governor Lingle announced that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Edward Schafer has approved her June 20, 2008 request for a disaster designation for Hawai`i County due to losses from volcanic emissions that have been ongoing since March 12, 2008. The disaster declaration by the Secretary makes farm operators in Hawai`i County eligible to be considered for low-interest loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The FSA will consider each application on its own merit by taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. The Secretary designated Hawai`i County as a primary natural disaster area. Read the news release.
State Convenes Interagancy Task Force The State convened an Interagency Task Force meeting in Hilo to address the Kilauea Volcano emission hazard and to develop strategies to mitigate the effects, especially in regard to public health and agriculture. Since March 12, 2008, sulfur dioxide emissions from a new gas vent in Halemaumau Crater have affected residents with respiratory problems, caused voluntary evacuations, and caused significant damage to agricultural farms and ranches. The emissions have also caused concern for the long-term effects on health, water quality and agriculture. Task Force members represented the following agencies: Hawai`i County Mayor Harry Kim; Hawai`i County Fire Department; State departments of Health, Civil Defense, Public Safety and Agriculture; University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR); U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA), Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (U.S. Geological Survey) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Read the news release. "Interagency state task force meets on Kilauea's emission hazards," West Hawai`i Today, July 20, 2008
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.
The State of Hawai‘i is concerned about the safety and health of our citizens. Being well-prepared and informed is vital especially regarding VOG conditions on the Big Island. What can I do to protect myself or prepare for possible health effects of vog? The following are recommended ways to protect your family at home: 1. Monitor current air conditions daily. 2. Stay indoors. During periods of heavy vog conditions, avoid physical activity (especially outdoors) such as brisk walking or exercise. Close windows at night. Use fans or if you use an air conditioner, keep vent closed and use re-circulated air if possible. 3. Drink bottled water. This is especially helpful to avoid dehydration. 4. For people with asthma, heart or lung disease, and older adults who are particularly vulnerable, you should remain indoors or relocate during heavy vog episodes. Keep your medication refilled and use your daily (controller) medication as prescribed. Have your emergency or evacuation medications available. If you don't have any medications, but feel you might need them, call your physician.
The State Department of Health, Department of Education and the County of Hawai‘i are working with schools to provide air monitors for sulfur dioxide. Each school can identify sensitive children and provide an appropriate shelter during high vog episodes. The shelters will have new air purifiers purchased by the Department of Education. Also, the Department of Health and Department of Education are assisting schools by developing protocols for heavy vog days such as indoor recess, sheltering in place and evacuation. 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 – http://hawaii.gov/health Hawai‘i State Department of Agriculture – http://hawaii.gov/hdoa Hawaiian Volcano Observatory – http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/ Volcanic Air Pollution – http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs169-97/ Current SO2 Conditions – Kilauea Summit – http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/havoso2alert/havoalert.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. |
