In the build-up to World War II the British government feared that the Germans would attack Britain with poison gas. During World War I the Germans and Allies had used poison gas to attack each other in the trenches. Harmful gases can make the skin blister, cause blindness and breathing problems, and can even kill. The British government took precautions against poison gas attacks and by 1938 they had issued 'civilian type respirators' to every man, woman and child in the nation. There were versions for animals, too. Over 40 million gas masks were issued.

The Government waged a publicity campaign. People were told to keep their gas masks with them day and night. Posters about the dangers of gas attacks were everywhere by the outbreak of war. 'Hitler will send no warning - so always carry your gas mask', cautioned one poster. 'It is your duty to yourself, your family and your country to be prepared. Don't be caught without your gas mask when the wardens sound their rattles. Don't be a gas casualty.' Short films and radio adverts also kept people informed. There were even events like 'Gas Mask Week' when talks on anti-gas measures were given in local town halls, and people could get their masks tested.

The Ministry of Home Security issued instructions on what to do in the event of a gas attack. When the ARP wardens sounded rattles to alert people to a gas attack, the directions were to 'Hold your breath, put on your mask, cover your skin and take shelter in the nearest building.' If you had inhaled some vapour gas you were advised to 'keep your mask on even if you feel discomfort and seek help at a first aid post.' The emergency services and the ARP were trained in dealing with gas attacks.

The gas mask attracted many nicknames, from 'nosebag' after the feedbags that horse wore round their noses, to 'dickey-bird'. Many children called the gas mask a 'Hitler.' The gas mask was not popular and most people found it uncomfortable. It was tight fitting to prevent any fumes leaking into the mask. People sometimes felt claustrophobic and the wearer's breath tended to steam up the goggles after a few minutes. The sensation of clammy breathlessness and the smell of rubber disinfectant made people unwilling to practise wearing their masks. They also disliked carrying the masks everywhere. As the war progressed, it seemed less likely that there would be a gas attack and people tended to leave their cumbersome brown boxes and heavy gas masks at home. There was never a gas attack in Britain during World War II.

As asbestos ages, it breaks down. We now know of the link between asbestos and lung disease. It is very important that all asbestos is professionally removed from old gas masks.

This gas mask dates from World War II when the British government gave everyone gas masks as protection against possible poison gas attacks by the Germans. This gas mask is for an adult.

It is made of black rubber with a plastic eyepiece and a filter made of a perforated tin can containing a block of asbestos. Asbestos is a chemical substance that can absorb poisonous gases. When worn, the air breathed in would pass through the asbestos, which would filter out dangerous gases so that the wearer could breathe safely. Three straps hold the mask securely on the head and the rubber fits snugly round the wearer's face to prevent fumes leaking into the mask.

Inside the carrying box there is a label that gives instructions on wearing the mask. The user is told to:

1. Hold respirator by the straps.
2. Put on the mask by first putting chin into the facepiece, and then drawing the straps over the head. Adjust straps to obtain close but comfortable fit.
3. Take off by pulling the straps over the head from the back.

Each gas mask came with a carrying case so that people could take them wherever they went. The label on this box shows that it came from the 'Borough of Hendon, ARP, Central Division'. The owner's name and address were written on the label so that the gas mask could be returned if lost. A label inside the box instructed the user to pack the respirator in the box with the heavy end on the bottom and the transparent eyepiece on the top.

As asbestos ages it breaks down. In recent years the link between asbestos and lung disease has become known. It is important that all asbestos is professionally removed from gas masks from this period.