Helena Joyce
Volcanic eruptions in Hawaii are a source of air pollution, which can have adverse effects on human health and the environment. The Kilauea Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, has been releasing sulphur dioxide (SO2) and other toxic gases since its eruption in 1983. The emissions from Kilauea and other volcanoes on the island contribute to air pollution, known as vog, which consists of gases and particles that can accumulate in downwind communities and reduce visibility. The composition and health effects of vog are still being studied, but SO2 is known to irritate the skin and mucous membranes, and can cause respiratory distress. Other toxic metals, such as mercury, have also been detected in volcanic air pollution, which can have detrimental impacts on wildlife and humans. Organisations like the U.S. Geological Survey and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are actively monitoring air quality and working to protect residents and visitors from the potential hazards of volcanic pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of air quality monitoring | Real-time and historic data available |
| Organisations involved in monitoring | USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaii State Department of Health, Hawaii County Civil Defense, National Park Service, County of Hawaiʻi (Mayor's Office), CSAV (University of Hawaiʻi), NOAA (National Weather Service), US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency |
| Pollutants | Sulfur dioxide (SO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen, mercury, pesticides, selenium, arsenic, iridium, sulfuric acid, other sulfate compounds |
| Health effects | Respiratory distress, reduced reproductive success, impaired growth and development, decreased survival |
| Impact on the environment | Acidification of soils, lakes, ponds, and streams |
| Visibility | Haze caused by tiny particles in the air can reduce visibility from 155 miles to 105 miles |
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What You'll Learn
Kilauea Volcano releases 300 metric tons of sulfur dioxide per day
Kilauea, one of the three active volcanoes on the island of Hawaii, has been erupting continuously since 1983. It releases at least 300 metric tons of sulfur dioxide per day, and this figure can increase to 30,000 tons per day during vigorous eruptive activity. The gas is emitted from the Pu’u O’o vent on the volcano's east rift zone and the Halema’uma’u Crater at the volcano’s summit.
Sulfur dioxide is a pollutant that can also be produced by power plants and industrial manufacturing operations. Kilauea's sulfur dioxide production is equivalent to somewhere between 5% and 10% of that emitted by all of China. The gas can cause hazy air pollution, known as vog, downwind of the volcano, and can result in poor air quality.
During periods of low wind speed, vog can accumulate in communities near the volcanic vents. The wind speed and direction influence the distribution of volcanic air pollution over the island. The height of the inversion layer, humidity, and precipitation also play a role in determining the areas affected by volcanic emissions.
The Kilauea Volcano is monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and real-time data is shared with the public. The observatory is located on the caldera rim of Kilauea Volcano, providing a view of summit eruptive activity. The USGS works to monitor volcanic processes, issue warnings of dangerous activity, and assess volcanic hazards.
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Volcanic air pollution can travel thousands of miles
Volcanic eruptions can result in the emission of harmful gases and ash into the air, causing air pollution. Inhaling these volcanic gases and ash can be detrimental to human health. Volcanoes emit gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), which can cause hazy air pollution, and carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a greenhouse gas responsible for climate change.
The Kilauea Volcano, one of three active volcanoes on the island of Hawaii, has been releasing at least 300 metric tons of sulfur dioxide per day since its eruption in 1983. During vigorous eruptive activity, this amount can increase to 30,000 tons per day. The Kilauea Volcano's SO2 emissions prior to 1983 were also significant, ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 tons per year, which far exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) definition of a major polluter. The emissions from Kilauea can have far-reaching effects, impacting communities downwind, particularly on the north and east sides of the island due to prevailing wind conditions.
Volcanic air pollution can indeed travel thousands of miles from the source of the eruption. For example, in 1883, the Krakatau volcanic eruption in Indonesia led to volcanic ash spreading across the globe. The ash from this eruption was observed in New York, located on the other side of the planet, and it persisted in the atmosphere for years, causing vivid red sunsets in areas of New York for three years.
The dispersion of volcanic air pollution is influenced by factors such as wind speed and direction, humidity, precipitation, and the height of the inversion layer. Volcanic emissions can also affect the climate by injecting sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, which converts to sulfuric acid and forms fine sulfate aerosols. These aerosols increase the reflection of radiation from the Sun, resulting in a cooling effect on the Earth's lower atmosphere.
It is important to monitor air quality and follow local guidance during volcanic eruptions to protect human health and mitigate the potential impacts of volcanic air pollution.
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Volcanic gases can cause hazy air pollution
Volcanic eruptions can result in serious health hazards. When a volcano erupts, it can release harmful particles, including volcanic gases, into the air. These gases can cause hazy air pollution, which can negatively impact human health and the environment.
One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea, is located on the island of Hawai'i and has been continuously erupting since 1983. It releases a significant amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2), with emissions of at least 300 metric tons of SO2 per day and up to 30,000 tons per day during vigorous eruptive activity. These emissions have a significant impact on the surrounding areas, including Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a pungent odor that can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. High concentrations of SO2 can produce volcanic smog, commonly known as "vog," which can cause persistent health problems for nearby populations. Vog is a type of hazy air pollution caused by volcanic emissions, and it can reduce visibility and affect human health. The gas can also contribute to acid rain and air pollution downwind of the volcano.
In addition to SO2, other volcanic gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) can be harmful. Hydrogen sulfide has a strong offensive odor, and even small amounts can irritate the upper respiratory tract. High concentrations of CO2 can pose serious risks to people and animals, leading to headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing.
The Hawai'i Department of Health advises residents and visitors to monitor air quality levels during volcanic eruptions. The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service also monitor air quality in the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and share real-time data with the public. It is important to take precautions to protect oneself from the potential health hazards associated with volcanic gases and air pollution.
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Volcanic air pollution can cause respiratory distress
Volcanic eruptions can result in serious health hazards. When a volcano erupts, it can release harmful particles, including volcanic gases and ash, into the air. These contaminants can travel thousands of miles away from the source of pollution, affecting human health and the environment.
One of the most active volcanoes on Earth, Kilauea, is one of three active volcanoes on the island of Hawaii. Since its eruption in 1983, it has released at least 300 metric tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) per day and up to 30,000 tons per day during vigorous eruptive activity. Even during non-eruptive periods before 1983, Kilauea's SO2 emissions were 1,000 times greater than the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) definition of a major polluter.
Sulfur dioxide is a highly harmful volcanic gas. When it reacts with oxygen, moisture, and sunlight in the atmosphere, it forms volcanic smog, or "vog". This smog is a type of air pollution that can be quite toxic. Vog is a visible haze made up of gas and an aerosol of tiny particles and acidic droplets. These aerosols are small enough to be breathed in deeply into the lungs, irritating the mucous membranes and affecting lung function.
Vog poses a health hazard by aggravating pre-existing respiratory ailments. It can cause physical complaints such as headaches, breathing difficulties, watery eyes, sore throat, and flu-like symptoms. At elevated levels, vog can induce symptoms of asthma and produce respiratory distress in some individuals.
To protect yourself from volcanic air pollution, it is important to follow local guidance and take steps to limit exposure to gases and ash. Stay indoors, close all outside doors and windows, and turn off any heating, air conditioning, or fans. If you need to go outside, reduce your chances of inhaling ash by wearing a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator.
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Volcanic emissions can affect the health of local ecosystems
Volcanic emissions can have a significant impact on the health of local ecosystems. While volcanoes are known to affect the climate and air quality, the pollutants they release can also harm the natural environment, including wildlife and plant communities.
The Kilauea Volcano, one of three active volcanoes on the island of Hawaii, has been monitored for sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions since 1986. During its eruption in 1983, Kilauea released at least 300 metric tons of SO2 per day and up to 30,000 tons per day during more vigorous activity. Even before this eruption, Kilauea's SO2 emissions were significant, ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 tons per year, far exceeding the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) definition of a major polluter.
The emissions from Kilauea and other volcanoes can lead to acidification, affecting the sensitive ecosystem of Hawaii. The sulfur and nitrogen compounds deposited from the air can cause harm to soils, lakes, ponds, and streams. The excess nitrogen can lead to nutrient enrichment, altering the natural nutrient cycling and changing plant communities. Additionally, airborne pollutants like mercury can have detrimental effects on wildlife, including birds and fish, and can enter the food chain, impacting the health of organisms and their reproductive success.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located near Kilauea, has a high ecosystem sensitivity to acidification from sulfur and nitrogen compounds. The park's streams and ponds are particularly vulnerable to sulfur compounds emitted from the volcano. The National Park Service has been monitoring air quality in the park, sharing real-time data and issuing advisories when necessary to protect both the natural environment and human health.
The wind patterns and local topography also play a role in distributing volcanic air pollution over the island. During periods of low wind speed, volcanic haze or "vog" can accumulate near volcanic vents, while sustained winds can carry it to other communities. The height of the inversion layer, humidity, and precipitation also influence the dispersion of volcanic emissions, affecting the exposure of different areas to volcanic pollution.
While human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, contribute significantly more to carbon dioxide emissions than volcanoes, large volcanic eruptions can still inject substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, influencing climate change. The conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfuric acid in the atmosphere has a notable impact on climate, causing global cooling.
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Frequently asked questions
The Kilauea Volcano is one of three active volcanoes on the Island of Hawai'i and is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Since the onset of its eruption in 1983, it has released at least 300 metric tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) per day and as much as 30,000 tons per day during vigorous eruptive activity.
The distribution of volcanic air pollution over the island terrain is driven by wind conditions. During periods of low wind speed, vog (hazy air pollution caused by volcanic emissions) can accumulate in communities near the volcanic vents. During periods of sustained winds from the south and southwest, vog may be carried to communities on the north and east sides of the island.
The health effects of volcanic air pollution are of interest to communities near active volcanoes worldwide. SO2 gas emitted by the Kilauea Volcano can irritate skin and the tissues and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat. It can also produce respiratory distress in some individuals, especially during moderate physical activity.
The U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) at the summit of Kilauea monitors the amount and composition of gas emissions from the volcano's ongoing eruption. Real-time and historic air quality data is available from the Interagency Vog Dashboard, a partnership between the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network, Hawaii State Department of Health, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and several other organizations.
