With Kilauea having been in an eruptive phase since May 3, sulphur dioxide, is being released into the air constantly.
Acid rain can result when it combines with atmospheric water downwind of a volcano.
In addition, lava reacting with cold seawater can produce vapours known as laze, which can be similarly harmful.
Fissure 8 , the source of most of the lava flowing into the ocean at Kapaho Beach, has reshaped the landscape in the south-east of the island, completely filling the area formally known as Kapaho Bay and creating more than 550 acres of new land.
Recent days have seen a series of collapses at Kilauea’s summit and the Halemaumau crater equivalent to a magnitude 5.3 earthquake, including one yesterday, while lava continues to flow into the sea.
A County of Hawaii statement warned: “Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava steadily into the perched channel leading northeastward from the vent.
“An overflow lobe moving around the west side of Kapoho Cone remains active and small brushfires are reported along the margins.
Wed, June 13, 2018 Hawaii volcano eruption aerial pictures show huge fissures open near Kilauea crater – see the latest pictures.
“Kapoho Beach Lots and Four Corners area are closed to any access.
“Be aware that spill overs of the channel and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field, do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard.