Pahoa — Hawaii faces a new hazard: lava flows from Kilauea’s volcanic eruption could produce clouds of acid fumes, steam and glass-like particles as they reach the Pacific, authorities said on Sunday. Notices cautioned motorists, boaters and beach-goers to beware of caustic plumes of "laze", formed from two streams of hot lava pouring into the sea after cutting across Highway 137 on the south coast of Hawaii’s Big Island late on Saturday and early Sunday. The bulletins also warned that reports of toxic sulphur dioxide gas being vented from various points around the volcano had tripled, urging residents to "take action necessary to limit further exposure". Laze — a term combining the words "lava" and haze" — is a mix of hydrochloric acid fumes, steam and fine volcanic glass specks created when erupting lava, which can reach temperatures of more than 1,093°C, reacts with sea water, Hawaii County Civil Defense said. "Be aware of the laze hazard and stay away from any ocean plume," the ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.