Noxious sulfur dioxide gas and other air pollutants emitted from Kīlauea Volcano on the Island of Hawai‘i react with oxygen, atmospheric moisture, and sunlight to produce volcanic smog (vog) and acid rain. Vog can negatively affect human health and agriculture, and acid rain can contaminate household water supplies by leaching metals from building and plumbing materials in rooftop rainwater-catchment systems. U.S. Geological Survey scientists, along with health professionals and local government officials are working together to better understand volcanic air pollution and to enhance public awareness of this hazard.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2017 |
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Title | Volcanic air pollution hazards in Hawaii |
DOI | 10.3133/fs20173017 |
Authors | Tamar Elias, A. Jeff Sutton |
Publication Type | Report |
Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
Series Title | Fact Sheet |
Series Number | 2017-3017 |
Index ID | fs20173017 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Volcano Science Center |