Vog poses a health hazard by aggravating preexisting respiratory ailments. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas can irritate skin and the tissues and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat, and can penetrate airways, producing respiratory distress in some individuals.

At the levels of volcanic emissions occurring over recent years, individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions are the primary group at risk of experiencing health effects from vog exposures, but healthy people may also experience symptoms.

Mar 31, 2025 · Vog contains a mix of dangerous components. One of the gases Kilauea releases is sulfur dioxide (SO 2). SO 2 levels in vog are greatest close to the volcano. SO 2 irritates the eyes and causes a range of harmful effects on the lungs, including wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

Jun 2, 2020 · Volcanic emissions can result in air pollution that may be hazardous to people, animals, agriculture, and property. Volcanoes and geothermal areas emit a variety of air pollutants including gases and fine particles. By far the most abundant volcanic …

Volcanic Smog (VOG) is created when sulfur dioxide gas and other pollutants emitted from volcanic activity interact chemically with atmospheric moisture, oxygen, dust, and sunlight. VOG poses a...

If you are exposed to vog and are having symptoms, contact your healthcare providers right away and get away from further vog exposure. Treatment of symptoms often includes staying hydrated and (for those who have been diagnosed with asthma or COPD) using a rescue bronchodilator inhaler as prescribed.

Volcanic smog is also called vog. It forms when a volcano erupts and releases gases into the atmosphere. Volcanic smog can irritate the lungs and make existing lung problems worse.

May 10, 2018 · In addition to the dangers of Kīlauea’s scorching lava, recent activity has also produced volcanic ash and dangerous gases, like sulfur dioxide (SO2), that impact health, according to the...

In extreme cases, visibility in East Hawaiʻi is less than a couple of miles. When winds are light and variable, the vog accumulates in areas closest to the emitting vents: near Puʻu Ōʻō, communities such as Mountain View and Glenwood see high concentrations of vog.

May 10, 2018 · With the recent eruption on Hawaii’s big island, its residents are in danger of air pollution due to vog chemicals. With these chemicals in air animals, plants, and humans are all at risk. Vog is most commonly used as the name of the Kīlauea volcano smoke and it does differ from regular smog.