The Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii has been actively erupting since December 23, 2024, causing significant environmental and health concerns due to increased levels of vog, or volcanic smog. The latest episode began with lava fountains and flows from two vents located within the southwest portion of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, continuing intermittently through February and early March 2025. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has reported numerous eruptive episodes, reaching new lava flows and resulting in elevated volcanic gas emissions.
On March 1, it was observed through visual data and instrument readings from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported elevated sulfur dioxide emissions continuing at around 1,000 tonnes per day, with potential spikes expected as wind patterns shift. The effects of these emissions, particularly sulfur dioxide and other particulates, can lead to poor air quality, particularly affecting residents of nearby communities and areas of Hawaii Island.
"The volcanic gas emissions have been significant; particulates can increase unpredictably, especially with southerly winds forecasted to continue, which can impact air quality across the islands," stated the HVO on their recent updates.
Vog is created when volcanic gases such as sulfur dioxide react with moisture and sunlight, resulting in hazy, air-borne particulates. This pollution not only hampers air quality but also brings health risks, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Given the escalation of vog conditions triggered by these recent volcanic activities, health officials are urging the public to reduce outdoor activities and to be cautious. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has recommended the following safety measures:
- Limit heavy outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable individuals.
- Have medications readily available for those with respiratory conditions.
- Seek medical attention swiftly if symptoms develop due to exposure.
- Stay indoors and set air conditioning units to recirculate.
- Wear masks to protect against falling ash and particulates, though they do not filter out sulfur dioxide.
- Maintain hydration to combat potential dehydration.
- Prepare family emergency plans and heed emergency alerts from local officials.
The monitoring of vog levels and air quality can be done through resources provided by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health and the Interagency Vog Information Dashboard online at Hawaii Air Quality Data.
Meanwhile, the community around Volcano, located near Kīlauea, has been acutely aware of signs of volcanic activity, often reporting sulfurous odors and other signs of eruptions through social media. Notably, residents played a key role during cloudy weather, helping to confirm volcanic activity when instruments were unable to detect it, highlighting the close relationship between the community and the volcano.
Evidence gathered during past eruptive scenarios, such as the one experienced on September 15, 2024, serves to inform current understandings of how local conditions, including weather and wind direction, interact with volcanic emissions. Analysts noted sulfur dioxide emissions had fluctuated significantly during earlier activity, with rates spiking from less than 500 tonnes per day to nearly 12,000 tonnes as activity intensified.
Although assessments often rely on technical measurements and instruments, community observations remain invaluable for accurately gauging the volcano's behavior.
To keep the local population informed, volcano watchdogs continue to publish the latest updates and advice through platforms like HVO's Volcano Watch and other media outlets, aiming to disseminate timely information on volcanic activity and air quality conditions.
Residents have been reminded also to check the local government resources frequently, as conditions can change rapidly. Ongoing monitoring together with proactive health measures are key strategies recommended for coping with Kīlauea's unpredictable activity.
The Kīlauea eruption will be closely watched, particularly as new fissures could open or existing lava flows evolve, prompting continuous updates from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Recent gas chemistry measurements were taken during earlier eruptions, aiding predictions for future activity along with the intensity of sulfur dioxide emissions.
Experts remain alert to changes happening at the Kīlauea summit, particularly as inflation patterns suggest more eruptions could occur. Whether local communities are prepared for these events can significantly affect safety and well-being as volcanic activity persists.
Monitoring for such volcanic incidents is not only important for scientific purposes but is pivotal for public awareness and health management across affected regions.