The state Department of Health is urging Big Island residents to take precautionary measures due to elevated levels of sulfur dioxide, especially near Kilauea volcano.

On March 19, the 24-hour sulfur dioxide level recorded at the department's monitoring station in Pahala exceeded the federal ambient air quality standard.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standard for sulfur dioxide averaged over 24 hours is 0.14 parts per million. The Pahala air monitoring station recorded a 24-hour average of 0.149 ppm.

Communities near Kilauea volcano are particularly affected by increased sulfur dioxide levels due to recent volcanic activity. The department is continuing to monitor sulfur dioxide levels in five Hawai'i County communities: Kona, Hilo, Mountain View and Pahoa.

Elevated sulfur dioxide levels can cause breathing problems especially for individuals with asthma, emphysema and bronchitis.

The following are general recommendations from the American Lung Association: