MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Health (DOH) urged the public to use a wet cloth as an alternative to N95 face masks, following the reported shortage after the Mayon Volcano eruption on May 2.
In a statement Sunday, the DOH said using a wet handkerchief or cloth, wearing a regular face mask that fully covers the nose and mouth, or doubling up on standard face masks for added protection can help reduce exposure to ashfall.
The agency explained that the ashfall is not an ordinary dust, noting that it may contain tiny fragments of rocks, minerals, and volcanic glass that can irritate the lungs and airways when inhaled.
