Human activities and not smog from Taal Volcano caused the haze that covered Metro Manila the past two days, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. Recently, ABS-CBN news report stated that Taal Volcano Island is blanketed with volcanic smog or vog Tuesday due to continuous sulfur dioxide emissions by the Taal Volcano.

Phivolcs has clarified that the “haze” seen in Metro Manila is due to pollution and not coming from the Taal Volcano. “The haze which is being experienced by some residents of Metro Manila is smog caused by pollution and human activity. The haze is not from Taal Volcano.”

Phivolcs said SO2 emission averaged at 14,326 tons per day on Monday. This is a significant increase from the already high average of 4,771 tons per day recorded last Sunday, June 27.

“Magmatic unrest continues to occur at shallow depths beneath the edifice,” added Phivolcs.

The following could occur under Alert Level 2:

*sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions
*volcanic earthquakes
*minor ashfall
*lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas

Phivolcs earlier warned that exposure to vog may “cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract.”