Hawaii volcano eruption latest: health warning sparked over toxic gas fears

The eruption of a volcano in Hawaii has sparked a health warning over fears toxic gas could be emitted across the Big Island’s southern coastline.

Lava has begun flowing into the ocean and setting off a chemical reaction, with the molten rock pouring into the sea from Kilauea volcano and generating plumes of lava haze or “laze” as it interacts with seawater.

It is the latest hazard from a weeks-old eruption that has so far generated earthquakes and featured gushing molten rock, giant ash plumes and sulphur dioxide.

The eruption has forced more than 2,000 people to evacuate their homes after destroying more than 40 buildings.

On Monday, the lava entered on the property of a geothermal plant near one of Kilauea’s new volcanic vents.

Officials earlier this month removed 50,000 gallons (190,000 litres) of stored flammable gas from the plant to reduce the chance of explosions.

Laze, which is formed when lava enters the ocean and triggers a series of chemical reactions, contains hydrochloric acid which is as corrosive as diluted battery acid. It can irritate the skin and eyes and cause breathing problems, making it a dangerous substance.

Janet Babb, a geologist with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, says the plume "looks innocuous, but it's not."

She added that protective masks that officials have been distributing to protect people from volcanic ash will filter particles from lava haze but not the hydrochloric acid.

Laze itself is not enough to cause serious burns, Ms Babb said, unless someone is right on top of where lava enters the ocean. Waves also can wash over molten lava and send scalding water onshore, so people should maintain a safe distance.

Those affected by the warning are near the lava entry on the southern coast, either on land or in boats just offshore, experts warned.

Other threats as a result of the eruption include methane explosions as lava flows into areas with a lot of vegetation.

Hawaii County spokeswoman Janet Snyder said the lava stalled behind a berm on the property boundary.

The plant harnesses energy from the volcano for electricity. Underground wells bring up steam and hot liquid, and the steam feeds a turbine generator.