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The Maui News
When hot lava from Kilauea volcano reached the ocean over the weekend, it created a new type of hazard -- laze, a mix of hydrochloric acid and steam with fine glass particles.
Despite the ash, gas emissions and laze drifting through the air, Maui County doesn't appear to be at risk as long as normal trade winds continue, the state Department of Health said Monday. However, if the trades shift to southerly winds, vog could make its way up the island chain.
"Hawaii residents and visitors are advised to be prepared and aware of the surrounding conditions, and how they feel or may react to vog in the air," department spokesperson Janice Okubo said.
In the event of vog conditions, the department recommends that you:
• 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 such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and chronic lung and heart disease.
• Stay indoors and close windows and doors. If an air conditioner is used, set it to recirculate.
• Always keep medications on hand and readily available. Daily prescribed medications should be taken on schedule and may provide protection from the effects of sulfur dioxide. Contact a doctor as soon as possible if any health problems develop.
• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Develop family emergency plans as a precaution.
To learn more about emergency preparedness or to sign up for Maui County's Maka'ala alert system, call 270-7285 or visit mauicounty.gov/70/Emergency-Management-Agency.
For daily updates on Kilauea's eruption, visit usgs.gov/news/k-lauea-volcano-erupts.