INITIAL COUNTERMEASURES

The conceptualization of a protective mask dates back over 500 years to Leonardo da Vinci (Smart, 1997). By the mid- 19th century, protective masks were proposed in the USA and Europe for both industrial and military use. The modern ‘‘gas mask’’ was developed by the Germans with sodium thiosulfate and bicarbonate soaked pads and used in World War I (Joy, 1997). The French and English soon followed with their own versions of gas masks (Joy, 1997). In 1916, the Germans introduced a mask that incorporated a canister through which the soldiers breathed (Joy, 1997). Initially, the American forces in World War I used gas masks obtained from allies already fighting in the war (Smart, 1997). In 1918, the Americans introduced their RFK mask, a modified version of the British mask. Masks were also developed for the animals that supported the war fighting efforts. Decontamination efforts during World War I were rudimentary and included chemical neutralization and aeration of clothing and equipment. Although the need for detection of chemical agents was clearly identified, very little progress was made during World War I. Medical treatment included removal of the patient from the source, decontamination, and palliative care (Smart, 1997).