How do other communities near active volcanoes deal with SO2 emissions?
In any given year, there are 50-70 volcanic eruptions around the world, during which water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and other gases are released. Many volcanoes also emit gases between eruptions. The impact of these gases depends on the duration of the eruption, the proximity of the volcano to populated areas, and wind speed and direction. Examples of volcanoes that have adversely affected people due to persistent SO2 emissions include Nyiragongo (DR Congo); Masaya (Nicaragua); Poas (Costa Rica); and Miyakejima, Aso, and Sakurajima (Japan). Information about the impacts of these and other volcanoes around the world can be found in the links below.
