The VOG data was collected using a Gardner Counter which measures the number of particles per cubic centimeter in a sample of air. In this study, particles of 1.3 x 10- 5 centimeters radius and larger were detected and recorded. There were days when VOG data was not collected because the process is manual and time constraints conflicted with sampling times. Data analyzed show no significant correlation between aerosol concentrations and upper respiratory illness. A breakdown of each upper respiratory condition as related to aerosol concentration shows a similar range of inconclusive results.
Further studies are necessary to achieve any reliable conclusions.
The Big Island, in particular, has been shrouded in haze where concentrations of aerosol emissions from active volcanoes have allegedly had adverse respiratory effects on its residents, especially children. Despite all the official VOG concern and its possible health effects, little is known about direct health effects. I would also like to discuss the fact that I am using particulate concentrations as a measure of VOG concentration. There may be other sources of particulates, such as a car will emit particulates that the CN counter would read. The reason I know that I am measuring VOG and not car emissions is because the overall picture would show the highs and lows.