Face masks - hot issue dividing unruly cabals (10)

I believe the answer is:

balaclavas

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'face masks' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'hot issue dividing unruly cabals' is the wordplay.
'hot issue' becomes 'lava' (I've seen this in another clue).
'dividing' is an insertion indicator (inserted letters divide the word).
'unruly' indicates anagramming the letters.
'cabals' with letters rearranged gives 'balacs'.
'lava' placed within 'balacs' is 'BALACLAVAS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app