Stay upwind of volcanic gases. Persons with breathing problems, heart difficulties, pregnant women, infants and young children are especially at risk around volcanic fumes. They contain hydrochloric acid, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. Other hazards include steam explosions where lava enters the ocean. The lava enters the water at 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sea water explodes into steam and boiling water, and molten lava and rocks blast skyward.
Dangerous blocks of lava and rock are tossed as far as one-half mile inland. Methane gas is created when lava flows over vegetation, filling underground lava tubes. When the methane ignites, the ground explodes up to 100 yards ahead of the advancing lava flow. Another fascinating feature of volcanic activity that can also be deadly is benches. Lava creates new land when it enters the ocean.