A link between the inhalation of respirable silicas (SiO2) and respiratory diseases such as silicosis is widely recognized. Ash from dome collapse eruptions on Montserrat has been found to contain high levels (20%) of silicas in the form of cristobalite, A link between the inhalation of respirable silicas (SiO2) and respiratory diseases such as silicosis is widely recognized. Ash from dome collapse eruptions on Montserrat has been found to contain high levels (20%) of silicas in the form of cristobalite,