This paper is a review of the use of inert dusts to reduce the risk of dust explosions through both prevention and mitigation schemes. The review is conducted by referring primarily to the research results of the author and his colleagues in this area, with appropriate reference to the work of other researchers. A functional distinction is first made between inerting and suppression by explaining each term within the contexts of explosion prevention and explosion mitigation, respectively. The use of solid inertants is then described in terms of the various inhibitor and situation-specific parameters that can influence their effectiveness. Finally, application examples of the research results are given for research laboratories, test facilities, design engineers, and industrial practitioners. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.