Updated at 1:35 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Sulfur dioxide exposure can be mitigated
Advertiser Staff
Sulfur dioxide is irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract. Short-term exposure may cause inflammation and irritation, resulting in burning of the eyes, coughing, difficulty breathing and a feeling of chest tightness.
Here are some tips for residents exposed to sulfur dioxide emissions:
Do not smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke. Drink plenty of fluids to loosen mucus and help you cough. Stay indoors and use an air conditioner, if possible. Keep needed medications conveniently on hand. Continue to take your medications as directed. Avoid people who have colds or other lung infections. Assume that your lung condition may deteriorate during periods of vog. Contact your physician as soon as any problem develops. Do not allow a respiratory condition to linger, especially if there is a high concentration of vog. A paper, gauze or nontoxic dust mask may be helpful. Moistening the mask with a solution of baking soda and water may improve the filtration of the irritating particles in vog. If you find it's more difficult to breathe with the mask on, don't use it. Longer-term exposure to high levels of sulfur dioxide gas and particles causes respiratory illness and aggravates existing heart disease. The gas reacts with other chemicals in the air to form tiny sulfate particles. When these are breathed, they gather in the lungs and are associated with increased respiratory symptoms and disease, difficulty in breathing, and premature death. Check the National Park Service Web site for an up-to-date color-coded condition of sulfur dioxide levels at www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/havoso2alert/havoalert.cfm.Conditions include:
Green: for trace levels of sulfur dioxide. Most affected are sensitive individuals — children and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis and chronic lung or heart disease. Yellow: for light levels. Affects sensitive groups, who should avoid outdoor activity; potential health effects not expected for others. Orange: for moderate levels. Affects sensitive groups, who should avoid outdoor activity and remain indoors; potential health effects not expected for others. Red: for high levels. Affects sensitive groups, who should avoid outdoor activity and remain indoors. People experiencing respiratory-related health effect should consider leaving the area and everyone else should avoid outdoor activity. Purple: for extreme levels. Affects everyone. Avoid outdoor activity and remain indoors. People experiencing respiratory-related health effects should leave the area and seek medical help. All people should leave the area if directed by Civil Defense. Source: American Lung Association, National Park Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Geological Survey
