At least surgical masks—the kind docs & dentists wear—could be quite IMPORTANT
QUITE IMPORTANT—regardless of how little ash is in the air.
ANY is very hazardous.
They are microscopic shards of glass.
If nothing else, go to the local LOEWS/HOME DEPO type place—I forget what it’s called there—and get some painter’s masks.
I’m not kidding.
I survived Mt St Helens in Spokane where it got dark as night at midday. We stayed in well sealed homes until I forget—rain or some such.
If there’s no painters masks available get as large a handkerchief or bandanna as you can—2-3 layers and wet the outer layer for between buildings etc.
This is NOT AN EXAGGERATED CONCERN HULKA. The damage is done whether you feel it immediately, or not. The scaring from the microscopic glass shards that ARE THE ASH can be very deadly. And even relatively minor inhilations can greatly reduce the quality of life.
I lived in St. Helens, Oregon, when Mt.St.Helens erupted.
This ash gets into lungs, mixes with the mositure in your lung tissue and turns into cement. People die a terrible death from smothering.
Quix is right. Wear a mask.