The Taal Volcano in Batangas released over 14,000 tons of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) on Monday, the second highest emission recorded this year, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).  SO2 is one of the common types of volcanic gases from an active volcano. Phivolcs said it recorded 14,211 tons per day of volcanic SO2 emission from the Taal main crater. Its average emission was around 10,000 tons per day.  The smell of sulfur reached the town of Agoncillo and another barangay in Batangas. Exposure to SO2 may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, according to public health experts, thus people are cautioned to guard themselves against inhaling this “acidic” gas.  Meanwhile, there was no volcanic smog or vog observed over the Taal Caldera since moderate winds prevented the accumulation of SO2. Phivolcs said there are only 17 weak volcanic earthquakes recorded this year. Alert Level 1 stays at Taal Volcano. “At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island,” Phivolcs said.