When it comes to vog — the thick haze caused by Kilauea's sulfur dioxide emissions — what we don't know should be cause for concern.

What we do know is vog generates a spike in complaints of respiratory problmes, even among those with no prior conditions.

But what's equally troubling is that health officials say they know little about the longer-term health effects of vog.

Finding those answers won't be easy. Experts who study volcanic emissions point out that no two volcanoes are quite the same; Kilauea's emissions are almost purely sulfur dioxide.

But these longer-term studies must begin, and quickly. Kilauea has been erupting for 25 years, and shows no signs of slowing.

And as Advertiser writer Kevin Dayton noted, a limited study of 335 Big Island adults in 2004 comparing residents who were exposed to vog with those who were not, found higher rates of sore throats, runny noses and coughs, along with higher blood pressure and faster pulse rates.

It's time to invest in more research to explore the short- and long-term health effects of vog.

Living with an active volcano means not only reveling in its beauty — but also understanding the risks.