The Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to use a wet cloth as an alternative to N95 face masks due to a reported shortage following the Mayon Volcano eruption on May 2. In a statement, the DOH recommended 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 to reduce exposure to ashfall. The agency explained that ashfall contains tiny fragments that can irritate the lungs and airways.