Hawaii County earned failing marks on the American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air Report.
Hawaii County earned failing marks on the American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air Report.
The county failed on two counts: 24-hour particle pollution and annual particle pollution.
The American Lung Association noted Hawaii County, despite an F in the category again this year, recorded reductions in short-term particle pollution since 2010.
“Our state of Hawaii is unique in the nation,” Kim Nguyen, Hawaii Director for the American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific. “One of the main sources of particle pollution is from volcanoes. Volcanic smog (vog) is a concern for those with respiratory disease. Residents should take extra care when vog levels are high by staying indoors, limiting outdoor exercise and drinking plenty of fluids.”