Research Snapshot: Which facemasks are best to protect from breathing volcanic ash?

C. Horwell
12
March
2020
Output type
Research snapshot
Location
No items found.
Focus areas
Non-communicable diseases (NCD)
Topics
Disaster Risk Reduction
A woman wears a mask during the 2010 eruption of Merapi volcano. Only to be used alongside the project. (Square version)

This document provides a two-page summary of the research undertaken as part of the R2HC-funded study Respiratory Health Interventions in Volcanic Eruption Crises.

Governmental and humanitarian agencies recommend and distribute a variety of facemasks, most commonly surgical masks, in responses to volcanic risk. However, this research study found these masks are not always effective at protecting people from inhaling volcanic ash. The study provides a new evidence-base and practical guidance to inform humanitarian interventions.

This Snapshot summarises:

  • Background to the research and how the research was conducted,
  • Key findings,
  • Implications for humanitarian practitioners and policymakers,
  • Recommendations,
  • Further reading.


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Durham University