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Posted: Tuesday, March 1st, 2005 6:59 AM HST

Study shows Kilauea vog has harmful health effects

By John Burnett - 67AM KPUA News

HONOLULU (AP) -- A study published in the March issue of the journal Geology shows that people who live downwind of Kilauea Volcano could have an increased risk of respiratory or cardiac ailments caused by exposure to high levels of sulfur dioxide and aerosol particulates. Researchers from the University of Hawaii and Oregon State University found that during three weeks of average volcanic activity in 2003, daily average sulfur dioxide leves in Ocean View were about 17.8 parts per billion. The minimal risk level, according to the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, is 10 parts per billion in a 14-day period. A second part of the study still to be published will chronicle health problems of residents in three communities south of Kilauea. (Copyright 2005 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)