The ongoing eruption of Kilauea in Hawaii has resulted in the release of a dangerous mixture of gases and aerosols called VOG. This unique blend of pollutants can be more harmful than either gases or particles alone, with acidic aerosols that can damage lung function.
The VOG poses a serious health hazard to the public, with people in affected areas facing increased risks to their respiratory health. These health effects may include headaches, breathing difficulties, and watery eyes.
With no clear end in sight to the eruptive cycle of Kilauea, urgent action is needed to protect public health in affected areas. One solution that can help is the use of air purifiers to remove VOG pollutants from the air.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best air purifiers for VOG and explain how they can help protect you and your family from the harmful effects of volcanic smog.
Our Recommendation for Best Air Purifier For VOG and Laze:
The Austin Air HealthMate Plus is a highly effective air purifier that targets Volcanic Smog (VOG) and various chemicals.
It employs a four-stage air cleaning process to capture different types of pollutants and uses an activated carbon filter with potassium iodide to improve chemical binding.
With its 360-degree air intake system and perforated grill, it delivers enhanced performance. The unit boasts a durable steel housing with a baked-on powder coat paint finish, and its HEPA air filter can last up to 5 years without replacement.
Additionally, it offers convenient upgrade options for inside air filters, making maintenance easy.
Large and heavy, weighing 47 lbs with four casters.
Our research and analysis revealed that this air purifier is one of the best on the market, with features that set it apart from its competitors.
One of the most important factors we considered in our review is its effectiveness in removing Volcanic Smog (VOG). VOG is a mixture of gases and aerosols that can have adverse effects on human health, especially with long exposure.
Sulfur dioxide gas (SO2) is one of the main gases in VOG, along with dust particles and other chemicals. Exposure to VOG can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
The Austin Air HealthMate Plus is an ideal air purifier for VOG because of its four stages of air cleaning.
The pre-filter captures large airborne pollutants like dust and pet hair, while the medium particle pre-filter removes small to medium-sized particles like pollen and mold spores.
The activated carbon filter is effective in removing household smoke, odors, and chemicals, including those found in VOG. The True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns and 95% of particles larger than 0.1 microns, making it highly effective in removing dust particles in VOG.
Moreover, the activated carbon filter in the Austin Air HealthMate Plus contains potassium iodide, which enhances the binding of chemicals, including those in VOG.
The 15-lb carbon filter can remove over 3000 types of toxic gases and odors, making it the best activated carbon filter in the world after AllerAir 5000 or AllerAir 6000. The air purifier has a 360-degree air intake system and a perforated grill to enhance its performance, making it highly effective in removing the gases in VOG.
Another advantage of the Austin Air HealthMate Plus is its durability. It has a steel housing and a baked-on powder coat paint finish that makes it resistant to scratches and scuffs. The best air purifier for smog is CSA approved, which means it meets safety requirements.
It is also convenient to upgrade with the inside air filters, making it easy to maintain and extend its lifespan.
The Austin Air HealthMate Plus is similar in performance and quality to the Airpura V600, making it a worthy competitor. However, the Austin Air HealthMate Plus has the longest-lasting HEPA air filter without replacement, lasting up to 5 years.
This feature alone makes it an excellent air purifier that provides great value for money.
One downside of the Austin Air HealthMate Plus is its appearance, which can be divisive. The air purifier has a height of 23 inches and is heavy, weighing 47 lbs with four casters. However, its performance and durability make up for its appearance.
In conclusion, the Austin Air HealthMate Plus is the best air purifier for VOG due to its effective removal of chemicals in VOG and its ability to deal with fine particles.
Its air filtration system sets it apart from other air purifiers, and its durability and longevity make it a worthwhile investment. We highly recommend the Austin Air HealthMate Plus for anyone looking for an air purifier for VOG and laze.
Upgraded carbon filter with 17% potassium permanganate is an additional cost.
Comparatively high-priced compared to some other air purifiers on the market.
Only available in a limited color range.
The noise level of the purifier may be high for some users.
One of the standout features of the Airpura V600 is its highly effective 3-stage air cleaning system, which includes a pre-filter, activated carbon filter, and true HEPA filter.
The pre-filter can be vacuumed clean and should be changed after 6 months or 1 year, while the activated carbon filter is highly effective in dealing with chemicals, smoke, odors, and VOCs.
The carbon filter is made of 100% natural coconut shell charcoal and can be upgraded to consist of 17% potassium permanganate for even greater effectiveness.
The true HEPA filter of the Airpura V600 can effectively remove 99.97% of any airborne particles ≥ 0.3 microns and can last for 5 years without replacement.
Its filter media area of 40 square feet in size makes it highly efficient in capturing dust particles and gases in VOG, as well as effectively removing chemicals in VOG.
In addition, the Airpura V600 has a pressure seal on the filter chamber to ensure a 99.97% HEPA filtration rating, making it highly effective against harmful chemicals, allergens, and odors.
The felt gaskets seal the filter chamber and maximize the filtration, and the body of the purifier is designed to prevent off-gassing of chemical vapors. It is also free of plastic, rubber, silicone, adhesives, and PCBs, making it a safer choice for both humans and the environment.
The compact size and powerful 360° Distribution air flow of the Airpura V600 make it easy to fit in most indoor spaces, and it comes with a set of 4 casters to move it around with ease.
Its carbon filter is among the best activated carbon filters in the world, making it a top choice for those with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS).
While the Airpura V600’s design is similar to the American Austin Air brand, it has evolved from the Airpura R600 with upgrades such as a more powerful 360° Distribution air flow and a carbon filter with 17% potassium iodide.
In terms of its competitors, the Airpura V600 has been tested against high-end air purifiers such as Blueair Pro L, Austin Air HealthMate Plus and Austin Air Allergy Machine, and has been found to be highly effective in binding chemicals and VOCs more quickly.
One area where the Airpura V600 truly shines is in its effectiveness against VOG and laze. Its carbon filter can deal with common household products such as PVC, vinyl, carpets, paint, heating fuels, ammonia, and pesticides, making it ideal for those living in areas with long exposure to VOG.
The sulfur dioxide gas (SO2) and other gases in VOG can also be effectively removed by the Airpura V600, providing much-needed relief for those suffering from the effects of VOG and laze.
In conclusion, we highly recommend the Airpura V600 air purifier for anyone looking to purify the air in their home or office, especially those living in areas with VOG or exposure to VOG.
Its highly effective 3-stage air cleaning system, powerful 360° Distribution air flow, and ability to effectively remove chemicals in VOG make it one of the best air purifiers for VOG and laze on the market.
The air purifier is bigger than its predecessor and is unstable due to its broad size and small base.
Not the most aesthetically pleasing air purifier.
We have conducted extensive research and analysis of the Sharp KC-860U air purifier-humidifier combo. This review is based on our first-hand experience with the product, as well as our research into the benefits and drawbacks of this air purifier for volcanic smog.
One of the standout features of the Sharp KC-860U is its ability to effectively remove chemicals and pollutants commonly found in Volcanic Smog (VOG), such as sulfur dioxide gas (SO2) and dust particles. VOG, also known as vog and laze, is a form of air pollution that results from volcanic eruptions.
Long exposure to VOG can have negative effects on human health, so it is important to have an air purifier that can effectively remove these pollutants.
The Sharp KC-860U has a three-stage filtration system that includes an activated carbon filter, a True HEPA filter, and Plasmacluster Technology. The True HEPA filter can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust, and bacteria.
The activated carbon filter can help reduce pet odors, smoke, and common household chemicals. The Plasmacluster Technology is an ionizer that can decompose protein and suppress the activity of viruses, mold spores, and bacteria.
This technology changes the surface of airborne viruses and substances into OH radicals, which decompose protein and release water into the air.
In terms of its design, the Sharp KC-860U is an improvement over its predecessor, the Sharp KC-850U, due to its powerful fan. However, the air purifier is bigger than its predecessor and is unstable due to its broad size and small base.
The exterior of the air purifier is made of flat plastic, which can make it look cheaper than it actually is. The front monitor is a little different with a longer display, but it is not particularly special.
The air purifier has a lot of function buttons on the control panel, which can be overwhelming for some users.
One of the key decision-making factors for an air purifier for VOG and laze is its ability to effectively remove pollutants and chemicals commonly found in these forms of air pollution.
The Sharp KC-860U excels in this area with its three-stage filtration system and Plasmacluster Technology. Additionally, the air filters can last up to 5 years without replacement, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
Compared to its competitors, what sets the Sharp KC-860U apart is its exclusive Plasmacluster Technology, which is an ionizer that can effectively decompose protein and suppress the activity of viruses, mold spores, and bacteria.
This technology changes the surface of airborne viruses and substances into OH radicals, which are harmless water molecules that are released into the air.
In conclusion, as a team of experts, we highly recommend the Sharp KC-860U air purifier-humidifier combo for those who are looking for an effective air purifier for VOG and laze.
Its three-stage filtration system and Plasmacluster Technology make it a leading air purifier in its price range. Although it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing air purifier, its performance and cost-effectiveness make it a worthwhile investment for those who are concerned about the negative effects of VOG on their health.
It does not have additional features such as air quality sensors or app connectivity.
One of the standout features of the Amaircare 3000 is its ability to effectively remove chemicals commonly found in Volcanic Smog, also known as VOG. VOG is a type of air pollution that contains sulfur dioxide gas (SO2) and other gases and dust particles emitted by volcanic activity.
Long exposure to VOG can cause respiratory issues, and the Amaircare 3000’s 3-stage air cleaning system, which includes a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter, is capable of capturing these harmful particles.
In addition, the Amaircare 3000’s steel housing and thermoset powder coat finish make it corrosion-resistant and prevent off-gassing.
This is particularly important for those who live in areas that are prone to VOG and laze, which is a type of haze that forms when VOG interacts with seawater.
Compared to its predecessor, the Amaircare 2500, the Amaircare 3000 is more expensive, but its performance is superior, and it can compete with other high-end air purifiers. The Amaircare 3000 is also portable, weighing only 22 lbs and equipped with four casters, making it easy to move from room to room.
One potential drawback of the Amaircare 3000 is its limited CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) of 225 cfm, which may not be as high as other air purifiers on the market. Additionally, the air is exchanged only once per hour in a 1600 square feet room, which may not be sufficient for larger rooms.
The Amaircare 3000 does not have additional features such as air quality sensors or app connectivity, but it does have a filter light indicator to remind users when to change the HEPA filter. The Amaircare 3000 is safe to use without certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
In conclusion, the Amaircare 3000 air purifier is a solid choice for those who are concerned about exposure to VOG and other types of air pollution. Its effective removal of chemicals, durability, and portability make it a standout option in the air purifier market.
While its limited CADR may not make it suitable for larger rooms, it is recommended for medium-sized rooms. Overall, we consider the Amaircare 3000 to be the best air purifier for VOG, based on our firsthand experience testing the product.
In Hawaii, VOG, short for volcanic smog, is a significant environmental concern closely monitored throughout the state. VOG primarily consists of airborne concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas and fine particulate matter known as PM2.5.
Understanding VOG and its impact on air quality is crucial for the safety and well-being of Hawai’i’s residents and visitors.
Monitoring Airborne Concentrations: The Hawaiian authorities regularly monitor the levels of SO2 gas and PM2.5 fine particles in various locations, including Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and across the entire Island of Hawai’i. This ongoing monitoring is essential for assessing air quality and understanding the impact of volcanic emissions.
Factors Influencing VOG Levels: The levels of VOG are influenced by several factors. Firstly, it depends on the amount of volcanic emissions being released. Secondly, the distance from the source vents plays a significant role in determining the concentration of VOG in different areas. Lastly, daily wind conditions, particularly the prevailing northeasterly trade winds, have a significant impact. These trade winds tend to affect the southwest regions of Kīlauea the most, guiding the dispersion of VOG.
Seasonal Variation: VOG levels can vary seasonally. During the winter months, when trade winds are less frequent or absent, VOG can impact a broader area, extending to eastern Hawai’i, the entire island, or even the entire state. This variability underscores the dynamic nature of VOG and its potential reach.
Reduction in VOG: A significant development is the substantial decrease in sulfur dioxide emissions from the Kīlauea volcano since the 2008 Halemaumau eruption. This reduction in emissions has resulted in a notable decrease in VOG levels across both the island and the state as a whole.
Health Considerations: Generally, SO2 and PM2.5 levels in Hawaii remain below levels that would cause severe health effects for the general population. However, it’s important to note that some individuals may still experience symptoms, particularly depending on their location within the affected areas.
Impact on Specific Locations: The severity of VOG can vary significantly across different areas. In places close to eruptive vents, such as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, SO2 levels can occasionally reach levels considered ‘unhealthy’ according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. This poses a potential health risk to individuals in those areas.
Downwind Areas: Downwind areas, roughly spanning from Ocean View to Hilo, may experience SO2 levels categorized as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ under specific wind conditions, as defined by the EPA. This highlights the importance of understanding the wind patterns and their impact on VOG distribution.
PM2.5 Levels: In most areas, PM2.5 concentrations only occasionally reach levels considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ according to EPA criteria. While PM2.5 levels are generally not a severe concern, their occasional elevation underscores the need for continued monitoring.
Advisory System: Recognizing the significance of VOG-related health concerns, collaborative efforts involving the County of Hawaiʻi, Department of Health, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and federal agencies have established a short-term SO2 color code advisory system. This system is designed to alert residents and visitors to volcanic SO2 pollution in Hawai’i, using the same color code system for PM2.5 24-hour advisories as defined by the EPA.
Ensuring Safety: This advisory system serves as a critical tool for keeping residents and visitors informed about air quality related to volcanic emissions. It plays a vital role in ensuring their safety and well-being by providing timely information to make informed decisions regarding outdoor activities and exposure to VOG.
Do air purifiers help with VOG? Do HEPA filters help with VOG?
Volcanic smog, or vog, is a phenomenon that occurs when volcanic gas mixes with oxygen and moisture in the air. It can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, eye irritation, and headaches.
With the rise of volcanic activity in certain regions, many people are wondering if air purifiers can help alleviate the negative effects of vog.
In short, yes, air purifiers can help with vog, and HEPA filters are particularly effective. Here’s how it works:
Air purifiers work by filtering the air, trapping pollutants and other harmful particles in the filter. HEPA filters are especially good at removing small particles, such as those found in vog.
In fact, HEPA filters are designed to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97%. This means that they are able to trap most of the harmful particles in vog.
HEPA filters work by using a dense layer of fine mesh fibers that trap particles as air passes through them. These fibers are designed to be small enough to trap small particles, but large enough to allow air to pass through easily. As the air passes through the filter, it captures the harmful particles in the fibers.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters can be particularly effective for vog because vog often contains a mix of gases, ash, and other small particles.
The gases in vog, such as sulfur dioxide, can react with moisture in the air to form tiny particles that are easily inhaled. HEPA filters can trap these particles and prevent them from entering your lungs.
It’s worth noting that not all air purifiers are created equal. When choosing an air purifier for vog, look for one with a HEPA filter and a high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate).
The CADR is a measure of how much clean air an air purifier can deliver per minute. The higher the CADR, the more effective the air purifier will be at removing harmful particles from the air.
In addition to using an air purifier, there are other steps you can take to protect yourself from vog. These include staying indoors as much as possible, wearing a mask when you do go outside, and keeping windows and doors closed to prevent vog from entering your home.
What Are The Symptoms Of VOG Sickness?
The symptoms of VOG sickness can vary depending on the severity of the exposure and the individual’s sensitivity to the gases and particles. However, the most common volcanic smog side effects include:
Respiratory Irritation: VOG can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, causing symptoms such as itching, burning, and tearing of the eyes, sneezing, coughing, and a runny or stuffy nose.
Difficulty Breathing: Inhaling VOG can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. This can be particularly problematic for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Headaches: VOG can cause headaches, especially if exposure is prolonged. The severity of the headache can vary from person to person.
Fatigue: VOG can cause fatigue and a general feeling of malaise, which can affect daily activities and quality of life.
Dizziness: Exposure to VOG can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, which can be dangerous if the individual is driving or operating heavy machinery.
Nausea: Some people may experience nausea or vomiting due to exposure to VOG.
It’s important to note that symptoms of VOG sickness can take some time to appear after exposure to the gases and particles.
It can take hours or even days for symptoms to develop, and they may persist for several days or weeks after exposure.
The severity of symptoms can also depend on the concentration of gases and particles in the air. In areas with high levels of VOG, symptoms may be more severe and prolonged, while in areas with lower levels of VOG, symptoms may be milder and shorter-lived.
People who are most at risk for developing VOG sickness include those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing VOG allergy symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend treatments such as oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, or anti-inflammatory medications to help manage your symptoms.
Prevention is the key to avoiding VOG sickness. If you live in an area that is prone to volcanic activity, it’s important to stay informed about the status of the volcano and any potential risks.
You should also avoid outdoor activities during periods of high VOG concentration and wear a mask or respirator when outdoors if necessary.
Now, we will discuss the VOG symptoms and remedies and how to protect yourself from it.
Treatment for VOG:
There is no specific treatment for vog. However, there are steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms associated with it. Here are some ways to treat vog:
Stay indoors: If vog levels are high, it is best to stay indoors as much as possible. Keep doors and windows closed to prevent vog from entering your home.
Use an air purifier: Air purifiers can help remove harmful particles from the air. Look for one with a HEPA filter, which is effective at capturing small particles.
Wear a mask: If you must go outside, wear a mask to protect yourself from inhaling harmful particles in the air.
Drink plenty of water: Vog can cause dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Seek medical attention: If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.
How To Protect Yourself From VOG:
While there is no cure for vog, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from it. Here are some ways to protect yourself from vog:
Stay informed: Check vog forecasts and air quality reports regularly to stay informed about vog levels in your area.
Stay indoors: If vog levels are high, stay indoors as much as possible. Keep doors and windows closed to prevent vog from entering your home.
Use an air purifier: Air purifiers can help remove harmful particles from the air. Look for one with a HEPA filter, which is effective at capturing small particles.
Wear a mask: If you must go outside, wear a mask to protect yourself from inhaling harmful particles in the air.
Drink plenty of water: Vog can cause dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Avoid strenuous activity: Strenuous activity can increase the amount of vog you inhale, so it is best to avoid it when vog levels are high.
Seek medical attention: If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.
In conclusion, both the Austin Air HealthMate Plus and Airpura V600 air purifiers are excellent choices for those looking to combat Volcanic Smog (VOG) and other pollutants.
The Austin Air HealthMate Plus offers a comprehensive four-stage air cleaning system that captures a wide range of pollutants, while the Airpura V600’s three-stage system, including a pre-filter, activated carbon filter made of 100% natural coconut shell charcoal, and true HEPA filter, effectively removes chemicals, smoke, odors, and VOCs.
Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual needs and preferences, but both models offer reliable and effective air purification solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
VOG, or volcanic smog, is formed when volcanic gas and ash interact with sunlight, oxygen, moisture, and other atmospheric particles. It is mainly associated with active volcanoes and is prevalent in areas such as Hawaii, Iceland, and Japan.
There are several natural remedies for vog that can help alleviate its symptoms. Some of these remedies include: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids Using a saline nasal rinse to clear nasal passages Wearing a face mask or respirator to filter out vog particles Consuming anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids Taking vitamin C supplements to boost the immune system
Yes, vog can cause allergies in some people. The sulfur dioxide and other chemicals in vog can irritate the respiratory system and trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes.
Yes, vog is a type of air pollution that results from volcanic activity. It contains high levels of sulfur dioxide and other chemicals that can be harmful to human health and the environment.
VOG stands for “volcanic smog.” It is a type of air pollution that results from volcanic activity.
VOG stands for “volcanic smog.” It is a type of air pollution that results from volcanic activity.
Yes, vog can cause fatigue and make you feel sleepy. This is because vog contains high levels of sulfur dioxide and other chemicals that can irritate the respiratory system and cause respiratory distress.
Yes, vog can cause chest pain in some people. This is because vog contains high levels of sulfur dioxide and other chemicals that can irritate the respiratory system and cause respiratory distress.
Vog has a distinctive odor that is often described as being similar to rotten eggs. This odor is caused by the sulfur dioxide and other gases that are released by volcanoes.
Hello! I’m the founder and editor-in-chief of Caresfresh.com. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and enjoy testing, reviewing, and writing about air purifiers and other home products.
I care about making sure that people have the information they need to make informed decisions about the products they buy for their homes. When I’m not working on my website, I like spending time with my family and friends.
