Ash Concerns

New concerns are being raised as the Kilauea volcano continues to erupt in Hawaii.

Explosions from Hawaii’s volcanic activity intensified Tuesday, sending ash and volcanic smog up to 12,000 feet into the air. The ash emission even sparked an unhealthy air alert. Although the dust is not hazardous, it is an irritant. Officials are warning the winds may carry the ash further inland. Residents are already dealing with toxic gas seeping from the 20 active fissures. Nearly 2,000 people are under forced evacuations. The lava, at this time, only five-percent of the total island is affected by volcanic activity. The volcano has caused an estimated 5 million dollars in tourism losses, and business owners are urging people not to stay away.