There will come a time when it’s not that uncommon to see a person wearing a gas mask walking past by you on the street . That’s because the world continues to spew out air pollution and there’s little sign that things will improve despite the efforts of some. The planet has become so polluted that there are places where people wear dust masks on a daily basis (we’re looking at you China). Aside from that, the threat of a chemical attack looms over our heads. We’ve seen it happen to Syria as recent as a couple of months ago.
Ask any prepper and he or she will tell you that it’s important to have a gas mask or respirator to protect yourself from such threats. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a gas mask especially the new and better ones in the market today.
How does a gas mask work?
You need to fully grasp the mechanics behind a gas mask before you even try making your own. A gas mask, as we all know, protects its user from air pollutants and toxic gases. The user takes in the polluted air through a snout-like feature. The air passes through a filter, which prevents the harmful agents from entering the body. The gas mask also has to be free of holes or gaps where bad air may pass through.
How to make an improvised gas mask from a plastic bottle?
First, gather all the materials you will need. Those who have yet to secure their own high-grade gas mask can improvise one using a 2-liter plastic water bottle, the one commonly used for sodas. Choose a clear one instead of the colored plastic bottles. You’ll also need a dust mask, duct tape, and a knife, cutter or pair of scissors.
Remove the plastic label on the bottle then cut off the bottom with a cutter or knife. Most bottles have a seam at the bottom. Cut along this line.
Next, cut a U-shape out of one side of the bottle with the bottom of the U around two inches above the cap. If there’s a part of the label left on the bottle, cut the U from this part. Make sure the sides of the U will fit your face. Gas can enter the mask through the sides if the cut portion is too big.
Remove the bands of the dust mask and set it aside. Don’t throw or lose them. You’ll need the bands later. Place the cup of the dust mask inside the plastic bottle. Make sure the dust mask tilts downwards a little and that there is space between the bottle cap and the mask.
Use a duct tape to secure the dust mask to the bottle. Make sure there are no gaps where gas can pass through. Put duct tape around the edges of the plastic bottle. This will keep the cut out edges from harming your face. The duct tape will also help keep the bad air from passing through the sides.
Cut slits near the two top corners of the plastic bottle and another two on each side of the U. Use a pointed edge like a pen to push the ends of dust mask bands through the holes. Tie them securely to the bottle and cover with duct tape to prevent air from seeping through the slits. You can also staple the ends to the plastic bottle as long as you cover the staple wires well with duct tape.
Take the bottle cap off and puncture it with the knife to create a number of holes. These holes will allow air intake. Try the mask on and see if you get enough air through the holes on the bottle cap. If not, make one of the slits a bit larger.
Gas mask tips
A word of advice for our beard-loving hipsters and Duck Dynasty fans out there who’ve forgotten where the razor is, facial hair does not agree with gas masks. The facial hair may let gas pass through the mask. In the event of a gas attack, you probably won’t have enough time to shave your beard before putting your gas mask on. If you really want to keep your beard, invest on hooded gas masks.
The reason why there are many casualties of a gas attack is because no one can predict when one will occur. Your best chance is to have a gas mask handy all the time. Make sure you have one in your car and in your bug out bag. You can also keep a gas mask at work. It’s best if you have a number of gas masks in different areas in your home so you can easily grab one wherever you are. Yep, even in the toilet where you’d probably need a gas mask for reasons other than a gas attack.
Be wary of the mask you’re buying. Do your research on the best gas mask your money could buy. Remember, the cheap ones you can get from military surplus stores are cheap for a reason. They’re usually outdated and probably not that effective against gas attacks. Also, don’t buy a mask based on how badass it looks. You may end up buying something like the one used in paintball, which doesn’t offer any protection from toxic gas at all.
Finally, in the event of a gas attack, grab and wear your gas mask, improvised or otherwise. Proceed to an area with cleaner air. You have to exit a building as quickly as possible and find the highest ground once outdoors. Quickly remove any clothing that may have been exposed to the toxic chemical and secure them in a plastic bag. Clean yourself, including your eyes, thoroughly with water. Finally, call the authorities and boast about how you escaped the chemical attack thanks to your trusty improvised gas mask.
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