Another day, another new danger for residents near Hawaii's Kilauea volcano. Lava is mixing with ocean water, creating a dangerous mix of hydrochloric acid and glass particles. This in addition to sulfur dioxide gas, which is threatening some who ignored evacuation orders. C-G-T-N's Phil Lavelle reports.

This is the frontline on Hawaii's Big Island. The lava is spreading. Each plume of smoke - a sign of another eruption. Or property being claimed by nature.

Residents are leaving. And quickly. Taking whatever fits in their trucks.

Few are heading INTO the red zone. This area - Leilani - is blocked off by police. Only residents are allowed past the cordon.

Jason - one of those who has left, taking us back in with him.

JASON GREEN RESIDENT "We got a notice from civil defense. (Is it telling you to leave?)

It's telling us that we are in a risky area and that they are asking voluntarily leave."

Most have done just that. The neighbourhood is like a ghost town. Only a handful of people have stayed because they're worried they'll be burgled if they go.

JASON GREEN RESIDENT "So we put signs up in our windows they are on security cameras."

Jason and his husband David only moved here from California six months ago Swapping the risk of earthquakes, for the risk of earthquakes AND eruptions. They've had both so far.

JASON GREEN RESIDENT "This was a surprise and it happened so fast."

But their house is still standing. Others haven't been so fortunate.

JASON GREEN RESIDENT "I feel lucky that we're not at risk of losing our home to the lava, but it's definitely a harmful living condition because we are downwind from it, so we are getting all of the harmful sulphur dioxide gases."

These fissures have been opening up in multiple location. Cracks in the ground where lava and steam escapes. But it's that sulphur dioxide which is the silent danger here. And a real risk to health.

JASON GREEN RESIDENT "Correct. Because I have dogs and in can't put a respirator on my dogs. I don't know what kind of long term exposure this is going to have on our bodies."

PHIL LAVELLE BIG ISLAND, HAWAII "Those residents who have decided to remain in their homes have been told to stay inside. If they do go outside, then authorities say they should wear one of these masks. The issue is that they work if we're talking about ash falling from the sky. But not the toxic fumes from the sulphur dioxide, officials say these are ineffective for that. The only protection is to leave and come back when authorities give the all clear."

And so, Hawaii waits. They try to stay positive

JASON GREEN RESIDENT "There's an aloha spirit here and it makes you not want to leave. Makes you want to stay here."

Some pray to the island's God - leaving gifts, hoping it will end. She's not showing any signs of hearing them - at least not yet.

Phil Lavelle, CGTN, On the Big Island, Hawaii.