Since many chemical and biological weapons are difficult to detect, won’t it be too late for me to save my life by putting on my gas mask or respirator once I’ve become aware of the threat?
In the worst case, if you’ve already been exposed, it may indeed be too late. However, putting on your mask will certainly curtail your exposure, and may make the consequences less severe. Also, remember, the first hint that NBC agents are being used on civilians will be instant news. It will be broadcast over radio and television immediately. It is likely that the duration of a gas risk could be estimated and made known. Even the direction of a spreading toxic cloud could be predicted and people in the path would be warned. Some people in the hot zone and certainly those in the warm zone will have sufficient time to respond. After a chemical or biological attack, the residual effects could linger from several minutes to several days, depending on weather conditions (wind, humidity, etc.) and the amount of toxins released into the atmosphere. For people who are prepared for this type of emergency, gas masks may well be a lifesaver. The bottom line is that when an NBC assault happens, s
