Hawaii County Civil Defense, the state Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency released an online tool that provides updates on air quality in volcano-affected areas.
Data from newly installed air quality monitors around the Big Island can be viewed on an updated interactive online map that labels areas using the county’s three-color air quality coding system, wherein blue is normal, orange signifies elevated levels and red represents potentially dangerous levels of gas.
Of the 34 monitors tracked on the map, most are located around lower Puna, where the trade winds have consistently blown the volcanic gases emanating from the lower East Rift Zone.
The monitors update every 30 minutes and report the concentration of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere.
The map also lists suggested responses to different levels of gas. For example, in the event of a code orange — which indicates from 0.2-1 parts per million of sulfur dioxide and 0.6-7 ppm of hydrogen sulfide — residents are advised to shelter indoors and minimize heavy physical activities.
A code red indicates possible severe effects, and residents are advised to leave the area.
The map can be found at epa.gov/kilaueaairdata.