Toxic “Vog” in Paradise

I had seen video on television, and I had read about this in the newspapers, but experiencing Vog was different.  Vog is a form of air pollution that results when sulfur dioxide and other gases and particles emitted by an erupting volcano react with oxygen and moisture in the presence of sunlight.  The word is a portmanteau of the words “volcanic” and “smog”.

When I got off the plane for our family vacation, it seemed like it was a little foggy.  However, the sky was grey, and not bright blue.  The smell wasn’t fresh, rather, it was like a burning cigarette.  While I breathed without extraordinary effort, however, I did feel as if I wasn’t at full pulmonary capacity.   My eyes were itchy most of the time.  I even heard other guests at the hotel ask for referrals to local doctors due to breathing problems.  No doubt, this Vog was not healthy.

Although Hawaii Volcano National Park was closed, I had the wonderful opportunity to learn about and experience Mt. Kilauea first hand.  Please see some photos I took below taken from a helicopter.  Mother nature is truly spectacular!