The Maui News
Mauna Loa’s first eruption in nearly 40 years could impact air quality in various areas of the state, causing vog, ash in the air and rising levels of sulfur dioxide, the state Department of Health warned.
As of 2 p.m. Monday, permanent air quality monitoring stations across the state report that air quality remains normal, the department said. However, conditions are changing rapidly, and poor air quality may be very localized.
In the event of voggy conditions, the department advises that residents and visitors:
• Reduce outdoor activities that cause heavy breathing. Avoiding outdoor activity and exercise during vog conditions can reduce exposure and minimize health risks. This is especially important for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic lung and heart disease.
• Always have medications available if they have asthma or a chronic respiratory disease. Daily prescribed medications should be taken on schedule.
• Contact their medical provider as soon as possible if they are experiencing health effects and develop any symptoms, as respiratory conditions might worsen rapidly in heavy sulfur dioxide or vog conditions.
• Stay indoors and close windows and doors. If an air conditioner is used, set it to recirculate. If moving out of an impacted area, turn on the car’s air conditioner and set it to recirculate.
• Be aware that face masks (surgical, cloth, KF94, KN95, N95) do not provide protection from sulfur dioxide or vog. However, they can be effective in outdoor environments in reducing inhaled hazardous particulates associated with falling ash and Pele’s hair.
• Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
To access the Hawaii vog information dashboard, visit vog.ivhhn.org.
For information on Hawaii’s air quality data, go to health.hawaii.gov/cab/hawaii-ambient-air-quality-data/.
For updates on the volcanic eruption, see www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/volcano-updates.
Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rq3UoqWer6NjsLC5jqecsKtfobykrctmpZ6vo2R%2FcX6RaGhqZ5SktW7DwKulrGWfm3qitdFmqK6ZnJ7BunnHmrGaqpSoeqK5yJ1kppmlo65uuM6aZJ6qpaXBqrvNaA%3D%3D