DOH urges residents to prepare for air quality issues as Kilauea eruption continues

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state’s health department urges residents to prepare for potential air quality issues as the eruption atop Kilauea continues.

The eruption occurs in the Halemaumau crater and poses no immediate risk to the structures.

But officials note that the changing wind conditions have already “created intermittent air quality problems in areas west of the summit such as Pahala, Naalehu and Ocean View as well as Hilo and East Hawaii.”

Heavy vog, poor air quality and an increased level of sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory health problems, especially in sensitive people, the elderly and young children.

In the event of intense vog conditions, the Ministry of Health recommends these precautions:

• Reduce outdoor activities that cause heavy breathing.
• Stay inside and close windows and doors.
• Always keep medications close and within reach.
• Face coverings to prevent COVID do not offer protection against sulfur dioxide or vog.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

For more tips and up to date information on vog, click here.

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