The Department of Health (DOH) highly recommends N95 or KN95 face masks to prevent the respiratory health risks brought by the ashfall.

In an interview, DOH Usec Albert Domingo said that an ashfall is a fine particulate matter.

“Ang ating mga ashfall kasi is mga fine particulate matter. Mga maliliit na alikabok. Para pong yan yung pinag-uusapan natin yung sa landfill. Ganon din po yun, yung particulate matter 2.5,” he said

To protect our lungs against the possible health risks, he said that the recommended type of face mask to use is the n95 or the kn95.

“Ayaw nating makapasok yan sa ating baga at ang paraan po para maiwasan dyan is gumamit tayo ng ating mga facemask. Kaya nga sinasabi namin lagi na the best yung n95 o kaya kn95,” he added

According to the health department, the N95 or KN95 is capable of filtering the small particles that may be dangerous for respiratory health.

For those who don’t have that type of mask, the DOH suggests two alternatives. Individuals may use either a wet handkerchief to cover the nose and mouth or a double layer of surgical face mask.

In a Facebook post, the agency also releases safety tips against the health risks of ashfall. 

With reports from Mia Alonzo