According to experts from Ecuador's Geophysical Institute, the entity charged with monitoring Ecuador's 13 active volcanoes, Reventador's continued activity poses little threat to Quito and the Sierra's other major population centers.

In the past two days, scientists observing the volcano found that lava spilling over its crater contained very low concentrations of vapor and gas - major eruptions typically occur when lava and volcanic debris are highly charged with these substances.

While the apocalyptic scene that followed the November third eruption is unlikely to repeat itself anytime soon, Reventador refuses to be forgotten. Observers have registered small eruptions almost daily since the volcano sprang to life some three weeks ago after more than a quarter of a century of inactivity.

These minor eruptions are emitting between 10,000 and 20,000 tons of sulfur gas every day. When the wind is blowing west, the smell of rotten eggs characteristic of sulfur sometimes reaches Quito.

One such gas cloud reached the capital on Wednesday, causing some people to complain of headaches, nausea, sore throats, and difficulty breathing. State-of-the-art monitors in Quito registered 31.2 micrograms of sulfur per square meter, a concentration well below the safe limit of 400 micrograms per square meter.

With the annual Fiestas de Quito approaching, everyone's holding their breath - no one fears a dowsing of ash, they're afraid another cloud of repugnant gas will spoil the good times.

**This article is a followup to our November 4 Event in Focus entitled "Volcano Reventador blankets Quito and central Ecuador with ash".