Mauna Loa Activity Prompts Volcanic Eruption Readiness

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, on the evening of November 27, 2022, Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, began erupting. Lava was flowing from its summit the very next morning. There was also a visible gas plume from the erupting fissure fountains and lava flows. Residents were warned of volcanic gas, ash, and thin glass fibers known as Pele’s hair.

For those who live and work near an active volcano, the recent event highlights the critical importance of being prepared for the hazards that result from volcanic eruptions, including floods, landslides and mudslides, power outages, wildfires, and decreased air and water quality.

Volcanic smog is a form of air pollution that results when sulfur dioxide and other gasses and particles emitted by an erupting volcano react with oxygen and moisture in the presence of sunlight. According to Dr. Tyler Orehek, president at North America of Airgle Corp., a provider of air purification systems, volcanic smog can cause eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation; coughing; chest tightness and shortness of breath; increased susceptibility to respiratory ailments; and even fatigue and dizziness.

Purifying air systems capable of combating volcanic smog can help. The U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also suggests doing the following to ease the effects of volcanic activity and improve the quality of air inside your building:

• Listen to local news updates for information about air quality.
• Turn off all heating and air conditioning units and fans, and close windows, doors, and fireplace and woodstove dampers to help keep ash and gases from getting inside.
• To protect yourself while you are cleaning up ash that has gotten indoors, consider using a disposable particulate respirator (also known as an “air purifying respirator”). An N-95 respirator is the most common type of disposable particulate respirator and can be purchased at businesses such as hardware stores. It’s important to follow directions for proper use of this respirator. Click here to learn more about disposable particulate respirators approved by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
• If you don’t have a disposable particulate respirator, you can protect yourself by using a nuisance dust mask as a last resort. Nuisance dust masks can provide comfort and relief from exposure to relatively non-hazardous contaminants such as pollen, but they do not offer as much protection as a particulate respirator. Note that disposable particulate respirators do not filter toxic gases and vapors.
• Wear goggles to protect your eyes from ash.
• Replace disposable furnace filters or clean permanent furnace filters frequently.

Be sure as well to check the quality of your facility’s water. If the drinking water has ash in it, use another source of drinking water, such as purchased bottled water, until your water can be tested.

You’ll also want to clear roofs of ash. Ash is very heavy and can cause buildings to collapse. Be very cautious when working on a roof. Ash can be slippery and make it easy to fall. You’ll also want to wear goggles and an appropriate air purifying respirator while attempting to remove ash.