CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY Date: August 6, 2008

MEDIA UPDATE Time: 9:00 a.m.

Update: # 1

Incident: Air Quality Advisory

This is a Civil Defense message.

This is an air quality advisory for Wednesday morning, August 6, at 9 o'clock

The Hawai'i County Civil Defense Agency report that recent activity at the Kīlauea volcano has resulted in some temporary increased levels (spikes) of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulates occurring mainly in the early morning hours in the communities closest to the vent areas in the districts of Ka‘ū and Puna. On July 24, 2008, air monitors in Pāhala in the Ka‘ū District recorded a spike of sulfur dioxide between 9:00 am and 10:00 am of almost 9 parts per million (ppm) which is considered extremely high and Color Code Purple. The Department of Health advises that exposure to such elevated levels of sulfur dioxide can pose an immediate health threat to people who have asthma and other respiratory conditions.

It is nearly impossible to forecast these temporary episodes of potentially hazardous air quality, since levels can change significantly in minutes. The sulfur dioxide level is dependent upon the SO2 output from the Kīlauea volcano, variable winds, and weather patterns that change on short notice. On July 24, within 45 minutes, the SO2 level spiked from 0 ppm to 8.9 ppm (which represents a dangerous level) and fell immediately back to 0 ppm. It should be noted that the presence or absence of visible vog is not a reliable indication of the sulfur dioxide level.

People in sensitive groups such as those with asthma, heart or lung disease, and older can be particularly vulnerable and need to be alert and aware of their own health situation. Anyone who experiences symptoms of respiratory problems that may be triggered by emissions from the volcano should have an emergency action plan. In all cases, people reacting to volcanic emissions must know when to seek medical care or take protective measures such as staying indoors with the windows closed or relocating to a safe area. For further information, please call the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency at 935-0031 or the State Department of Health.

Thank you for listening.

This is your Hawai‘i County Civil Defense

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