Hawaii volcano can turn ‘toxic’

CAUSTIC FUMES HAVE ‘TRIPLED’ Laze – lava and haze – is a mix of hydrochloric acid, steam and volcanic glass.

Hawaii faced a new hazard as lava flows from Kilauea’s volcanic eruption could produce clouds of acid fumes, steam and glass-like particles as they reach the Pacific, authorities said.

Civil defense notices cautioned motorists, boaters and beachgoers to beware of caustic plumes of “laze”, formed from two streams of hot lava pouring into the sea after cutting across Highway 137 on the south coast of Hawaii’s Big Island on Saturday and Sunday.

The bulletins also warned that reports of toxic sulfur dioxide gas being vented from various points around the volcano had tripled, urging residents to “take action necessary to limit further exposure”.

Laze – a term combining the words “lava” and haze” – is a mix of hydrochloric acid fumes, steam and fine volcanic glass specks created when erupting lava, which can reach 1 0930C, reacts with sea water, Hawaii County Civil Defense said in a statement.

“Be aware of the laze hazard and stay away from any ocean plume,” the agency said, warning that potential hazards include lung damage, as well as eye and skin irritation.

With strong winds and copious amounts of lava hitting the ocean, the laze plumes could extend as far as 24 km, mostly along the coast and offshore, although the hazard would diminish the farther out to sea it blows, according to USGS geologist Janet Babb.

Authorities cautioned, however, that wind patterns can change abruptly. The US Coast Guard was “actively monitoring” the area to keep away all vessel traffic except permitted tour boats.

Laze killed two people when a lava flow reached the coast in 2000 and even a wisp can cause eye and respiratory irritation, the US Geological Survey said. Acid rain from laze has corrosive properties equivalent to diluted battery acid, the agency said.

The section of coastal Highway 137 and a nearby state park in the area, where lava was pouring into the ocean, were both closed, and another road in the vicinity was restricted to local traffic as a precaution.

An air quality index for Kona, about 64km northwest of the eruption site, was at orange level, meaning those with lung problems could be affected. –