How to Make a Gas Mask

PDF download Download Article
Keep yourself safe from harmful chemicals or gases with a handy homemade gas mask
PDF download Download Article

Whether you are want to defend yourself from the apocalypse or against a round of police tear gas, having your own gas mask prepares you for any airborne chemicals you might encounter. While professional gas masks are much more reliable, creating your own mask in a pinch is an easy way to stay safe. It won't protect you against everything, but a homemade gas mask can help protect your face and lungs in an emergency.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Making a Gas Mask

PDF download Download Article
  1. Tear gas is actually a dust that is sprayed into the air, [1] whereas biological weapons are generally gases. While it is incredibly difficult and expensive to completely protect yourself against gases, you can easily create a barrier against particles at home.
    • Toxic ash from volcanoes, tear gas, and dust are all particle contaminates.
  2. Using a razor blade, cut the bottom inch off of a large bottle and discard the bottom. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. Use a marker to draw a “U” across the front of the bottle, cap side down. This needs to fit snuggly across your face, stopping roughly at your temple and below your chin. Make sure you leave 5–6 inches (12.7–15.2 cm) between the bottom of your cup and your chin. Cut along your outline with your razor blade.
    • Start smaller than you think you need – you can always cut more away later.
    • The bottle should fit snuggly across your face, as this prevent gas from getting into your eyes. [3]
  4. Glue 1 inch (2.5 cm) of rubber form insulation around the edges of your gas mask to create a seal. This will keep contaminated air away from your eyes and nose. Take your time with this step, trying on your mask multiple times to make sure it sits snugly across your face.
    • You can purchase rubber foam online or at large hardware stores.
    • If you can’t get your hands on rubber foam, use several layers of tape around the edges, or strips of fabric from an old t-shirt.
  5. Cut them near the bottom, as you will need them later to attach the mask to your face. [4]
  6. Attach the elastic bands near eye level so you can securely keep the mask on your face without your hands.
  7. This is your filtration device. [5] Place the hospital mask, preferably an N95 particulate mask (available online or at a nearby health supply store), at the bottom of your gas mask.
    • Seal the edge of the mask to the bottle with glue to prevent air from bypassing the mask.
  8. Attach it to your face, making sure there are no holes in the insulation that would allow contaminated air to your face. Make sure the bottle cap is off, and breathe in the clean air.
    9. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Making an Air Filter for your Mask

PDF download Download Article
  1. While this system is not as powerful as a military-grade air mask, it can successfully filter out some toxins as well as all particle-based contaminates like tear gas.
  2. Use a razor blade to slice off the top of the bottle, leaving an open cylinder. You can use any type of plastic bottle, but a 2-liter bottle will usually be big and unwieldy.
  3. Activated charcoal absorbs fumes and gases from the air, providing an effective barrier against gases. While not perfect, charcoal can filter out chlorine and carbon-based chemicals. [6]
  4. This should be the same size bottle as before. Slice 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) from the bottom, leaving as much of the top as you can.
    • Leave the cap on.
  5. This will remove any physical contaminants, like dust, ash, or tear gas, from your air. You can also use strips of old t-shirts, socks, or cotton balls. [7]
    • Slide the bottles together and tape them shut. If you used the same sized bottles you can slide one into the other, creating a seal. Tape the bottles together so they stay shut. This is your air filter!
  6. Using a razor blade, cut holes in the bottom of the filter to allow air in.
    • Activated charcoal will absorb moisture from the air if left uncovered, making it useless, so only cut the holes when you need the filter.
  7. The easiest way to connect your filter to your gas mask is with an old vacuum hose. Clean it with soap and water and then attach it with duct tape around the ends of your filter and gas mask.
    • Because the charcoal could absorb the moisture from the air, becoming useless, only remove the cap from your filter when you need it.
  8. Activated charcoal absorbs chemicals and moisture, so it is useless after it has filled up. After every use or prolonged exposure to air you need to replace it with new charcoal.
    9. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Treating Exposure to Gases and Chemicals

PDF download Download Article
  1. A t-shirt can actually protect you from large particles, like dust or tear gas, though not perfectly. Try to create as perfect a seal as possible using both hands to keep the shirt over your nose and mouth. [8]
    • Bandanas, towels, and blankets will provide similar protection in an emergency.
    • A simple piece of fabric can save your life against ash and dust from a volcanic explosion.
  2. If you or someone you know feels light-headed, nauseous, or experiences seizures or loss of consciousness after inhaling a chemical, make a note of the chemical and call poison control immediately.
    • In the U.S., poison control can be reached at the number 1-800-222-1222. [9]
  3. If the victim is able to move, get them to fresh clean air as soon as possible. Stay away from the source of the chemicals. [10]
  4. This is called the “recovery position.” Roll unconscious people on their sides, using their upper leg to brace them. Make sure their mouth faces down so that they can easily expel anything that comes up. Wait for emergency services and follow their directions. [11]
    5. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is there anything else I can use other than charcoal?
    Community Answer
    A rag saturated in vinegar will help with dust and teargas.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 31 Helpful 70
  • Question
    What happens if that gas mask breaks while there is a gas leak?
    Community Answer
    Always have duct tape on hand. This can be used for scratches, leaks and even full-on breaks. When the mask part near your eyes cracks, breaks etc., and you can't see, cut it off so there is only plastic covering your nose, then duct tape it to your face.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 38
  • Question
    What should I do if I breathe toxic fumes?
    Community Answer
    Move to a place with fresh air and contact a poison control center immediately. In the United States, your emergency contact is the American Association of Poison Control Centers which can be reached at 1-800-222-1222. Keep a list of emergency numbers in an easily accessible area of your home.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 27 Helpful 32
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Make sure your mask, filter, and hose are all sealed as tightly as possible to prevent inhaling contaminated air.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • You can soak a bandana in vinegar for quick protection against tear gas, though it’s effectiveness has been debated by some scientists.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you have nothing, then wet half of medium-size bath towel and fold it. Put the non-wet side of towel on your face and hold it in place. The wet side of filter will give you a barrier between you and gas while the dry side will help you breathe easier.
      • Make sure to replace the mask inside your gas masks after every use!
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Some substances, such as organophosphates like sarin, are absorbed through the skin as well as through breathing, and a gas mask may not be effective against them.
        Thanks
        Helpful 19 Not Helpful 0
      • Remember to replace your activated charcoal after use, as it will become useless after it absorbs chemicals.
        Thanks
        Helpful 32 Not Helpful 3
      • This DIY mask is not a replacement for military or commercial grade gas masks, and only has limited effectiveness.
        Thanks
        Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Open a Can Without a Can Opener
      How to
      Make a Water Filter
      How to
      Build Your Own Uninterruptible Power Supply
      How to
      Make a Survival Kit
      How to
      Make a Go Bag
      Easy Hacks to Make Light During a Power Outage
      How to
      Make Aspirin if You're Lost in the Woods
      How to
      Find Water in the Desert
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1127513/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvlryShN69A
      3. ↑ http://www.survivopedia.com/diy-gas-mask/
      4. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/make-improvised-gas-mask/
      5. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/make-improvised-gas-mask/
      6. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-a-gas-mask-2018-5
      7. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-a-gas-mask-2018-5
      8. ↑ http://www.survivopedia.com/diy-gas-mask/#
      9. ↑ https://aapcc.org/
      1. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-treatment
      2. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/first-aid/recovery-position/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a gas mask, start by cutting the bottom off a 2-liter soda bottle and discarding the bottom. Then, draw a "U" shape for your head on the side of the bottle with the cap facing down. When you're done, cut along the lines with a razor blade and try the mask on to make sure it fits snugly. Next, glue rubber form insulation, which you'll find at a hardware store, around the hole to create a seal for your face. Finally, staple the elastic bands from a hospital mask on either side of the bottle and push the hospital mask into the bottom to the bottle to seal it. For tips on how to treat exposure to gases or chemicals, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 287,540 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Alani Jose

        Mar 30, 2020

        "I am a 10-year-old girl and I have a project to make a gas mask and how to improve it. I found this article helpful ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement