What are the health effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and who is most at risk?
Sulfur dioxide is an irritant gas that is usually removed by the nasal passages. Moderate activity levels that trigger mouth breathing (such as a brisk walk) are needed for SO2 to cause health problems. SO2 is a health concern on the island of Hawai‘i where levels are being watched by the DOH and Civil Defense. · People with asthma who are physically active outdoors are most likely to experience the health effects of SO2. The main effect, even with a short exposure, is a narrowing of the airways (called bronchoconstriction). This may cause wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms increase as SO2 levels and/or breathing rates increase. When exposure to SO2 stops, lung function typically returns to normal within an hour. · At very high levels, SO2 may cause wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath even in healthy people who do not have asthma. · No one knows the long-term health effects of exposure to SO2 from volcanic emissions such as those from Kilauea.
