Reccommended product 5000 VOG Custom Carbon From: $from 599.98 This unit features a special carbon blend for volcanic gases. Currently in use in Hawaii. Call for more information 1-888-852-8247.

(KGMB9 News)  On a bad day volcanic smog or vog spreads a suffocating sheet across the Big Island's south side.

"Just the location of Halemaumau is bringing all that SO2 much closer inland," said Jim Kauahikau of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

But vog is more than a nuisance of nature that dulls the skyline. It's linked to crop damage and aggravated breathing problems .

"We have to do something on an emergency basis to provide for the health and safety of the people," Rep. Bob Herkes said.

Over the summer, Herkes chaired a special vog committee that gathered information and spurred action on vog.

Schools in Hawaii County now have portable monitors to measure air quality. Farmers harmed by vog can apply for low interest loans. And people who live closest to the vog source now know they're not alone.

The committee hearings have also pin-pointed needs. Kau Hospital needs $4.7 million to install air purifiers and to seal the old building.

"Most of the windows have jealousies on them so the poor air can come in very easily," hospital administrator Merilyn Harris said.

Hawaii county emergency responders are closer to agreeing that residents at risk may be better off vog proofing their homes rather than evacuating during vog alerts.

"It could be as simple as closing all your windows, your doors, even maybe putting plastic all over your windows," county fire chief Darryl Oliveira said.

As long as nature turns up the heat vog will be a problem. At least now leaders are thinking more clearly about what can be done and what can't.



Source: KGMB9 News
Author: Jim Mendoza