Other Factors Make Research Difficult

One of Hawaii’s top researchers released findings Tuesday that found vog is bad for you, but not as bad as you might fear.

Thick vog blanketed the state numerous days in May. A new eruption at Kilauea Volcano and days of Kona weather made miserable from Hilo to Honolulu and even Kauai.

Dr. Elizabeth Tam explained her latest findings on the health effects of vog.

“Now it’s clear the vog does cause eye irritations, nose irritations, sore throat, a lot of upper airways and passages mucus membrane problems,” she said.

It is the sulfur dioxide that makes people miserable. However, Tam said there is no evidence vog causes asthmas.

“In terms of asthma, causing asthma, it didn’t seem to be related. We think it’s because it doesn’t penetrate as deep into the lungs and sulfur dioxide doesn’t get into the nucleus, into the DNA,” Tam said.

The research did find some evidence of some slight decrease in pulmonary function, but on days when the vog is heavy there are other factors that can contribute to this.

There are problems studying vog. Children may be exposed to second hand cigarette smoke at home. Vog days are caused by Kona winds, which trap auto exhaust cause mold to release spores.

“All of these environmental things, they don’t affect everyone the same way. So, if you’re not bothered by it, I would say you don’t need to restrict things,” Tam said.

Tam offered the standard advice: stay indoors and use an air conditioner. She said that will help.

(Source: KITV 4 News)

(Photo Source: R. Hoblitt, USGS)