TY - JOUR AU - Horwell, C. J. AU - Sargent, P. AU - Andronico, D. AU - Lo Castro, M. D. AU - Tomatis, M. AU - Hillman, S. E. AU - Michnowicz, S. A. K. AU - Fubini, B. PY - 2017 DA - 2017/08/17 TI - The iron-catalysed surface reactivity and health-pertinent physical characteristics of explosive volcanic ash from Mt. Etna, Italy JO - Journal of Applied Volcanology SP - 12 VL - 6 IS - 1 AB - Mount Etna is Europe’s largest and most active volcano. In recent years, it has displayed enhanced explosive activity, causing concern amongst local inhabitants who frequently have to live with, and clean up, substantial ashfall. Basaltic volcanic ash is generally considered unlikely to be a respiratory health hazard due to its often coarse nature (with few particles sub-10 μm diameter) and lack of crystalline silica. However, a previous study by the authors showed the capability of basaltic ash to generate the hydroxyl radical, a highly-reactive species which may cause cell damage. That study investigated a single sample of Etna ash, amongst others, with data giving an early indication that the Etnean ash may be uniquely reactive. SN - 2191-5040 UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s13617-017-0063-8 DO - 10.1186/s13617-017-0063-8 ID - Horwell2017 ER -