Don't Try to Roast a Marshmallow Over a Volcano, Experts Say

Just in case you're tempted, never roast a marshmallow over a volcano.

That's the advice from the U.S. Geological Survey, which was responding to an inquisitive Twitter user.

"Is it safe to roast marshmallows over volcanic vents?" asked Twitter user, Jay Furr. "Assuming you had a long enough stick, that is? Or would the resulting marshmallows be poisonous?"

The USGS Volcanoes account responded, "Erm...we're going to have to say no, that's not safe. (Please don't try!)"

Volcanoes emit gases that smell like rotten eggs.

"If the vent is emitting a lot of SO2 [sulfur dioxide] or H2S [hydrogen sulfide], they would taste BAD," USGS said on Twitter. "And if you add sulfuric acid (in vog [volcanic smog], for example) to sugar, you get a pretty spectacular reaction."

Lava continues to flow from the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. It began erupting about a month ago.

Explosions at its summit and active fissures are blowing volcanic gases and ash around the island. Authorities are telling residents to minimize their exposure to these to avoid skin irritation.

One active fissure is shooting molten rock hundreds of feet into the air, CBS News reported. Lava has now destroyed more than 110 structures, including 71 homes.

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