The state Department of Health today issued an advisory for Big Island residents to take precautions due to elevated levels of sulfur dioxide.

The 24-hour average of 0.14 parts per million sulfur dioxide in Pahala exceeded the federal ambient air quality standard on Sunday and again yesterday.

The Health Department's Pahala air monitoring station recorded a 24-hour average of 0.181 parts per million on Sunday and an average of 0.154 parts per million yesterday.

Communities near the Kilauea volcano are particularly affected by increased levels of sulfur dioxide caused by the recent volcanic activity. The DOH continues to monitor the sulfur dioxide levels in five Hawai'i County communities: Kona, Hilo, Mountain View, Pahala, and Pahoa.

Elevated levels of SO2 can cause breathing problems especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis. Anyone with respiratory conditions who lives or works in an area impacted by sulfur dioxide or vog should consider taking precautionary measures.

The following are general recommendations from the American Lung Association: