The bioreactivity of the sub-10 μm component of volcanic ash: Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat

► Human lung proteins adhere to inhaled mineral grains. ► Specific proteins have been recognised that tightly adhere to the recognised hazardous mineral cristobalite; a potential geo-biomarkers of respiratory harm. ► A range of lung proteins loosely adhere to 'non-toxic' volcanic ash minerals; however the effects of long-term ash exposures are unknown. ► There is a positive correlation between Si content and level of protein adherence. ► SDS-PAGE is a rapid bioreactivity assay, generating results to be imported into human health risk assessments.