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Explained in plain English

How do gas masks work?

Gas masks work by filtering out harmful substances from the air before you breathe them in. They create a sealed environment around your face, forcing all incoming air through a special filter. This is why Putin's decision to make them available again is seen as significant, as it suggests a preparation for potential chemical or biological threats.

Stories that explain this

WW3 fears grow after Putin lifts 30-year ban on buying gas masks

Questions this opens up

What's in a filter? How do they seal? Are all masks the same?

Related explainers

Why did Russia ban gas masks? What is a 'protective chamber'? Why restore old infrastructure? What was the Soviet Union? Why do crematoriums need gas cleaning? What is ethylene gas? Why extract more oil and gas? What is a gas pipeline?

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