How safe is it to stay indoors when trying to avoid SO2 from the volcano?
Staying indoors can lower your exposures to SO2. An air conditioner will not filter out SO2 from the air, but if air-conditioning is used during elevated volcanic emissions, set the unit to the air “re-circulation” (closed vent mode or setting) to prevent the unit from pulling outdoor air into the home. Over longer periods, the safest way to eliminate exposures to elevated levels of SO2 is to leave the area. Monitor volcano emissions updates from the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense to learn information on condition status color codes related to SO2 as well as recommendations for protecting yourself.
