How does gas mask help us now?

A gas mask can help us now in the event of a riot, terrorist attack, or other less than favorable in which either Chemical, Biological, Radiological, or Nuclear (CBRN) materials may be used. They can also be on the field of battle where they have their deep roots in place but they can be used in other methods as well. Should pandemic disease also occur and be passed through airborne transmission, it could bery well be used to curb infection opposed to a bulky Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).