As is well known, during World War I, following the initial German chlorine gas attacks, the warring nations rushed to distribute gas masks not only to soldiers but also to civilians. What’s particularly interesting is how the authorities made efforts to consider everyone: soldiers in the trenches, civilians, children, and even animals.

Protecting children from chemical agents was of critical importance. Organized evacuations were planned to move them out of dangerous areas. Authorities were tasked with categorizing the child population: children who would leave with their families, those traveling in groups, or those being housed in colonies or schools located in safer areas.

When evacuation was not possible, protective systems had to be implemented, tailored according to age. For children under the age of two, traditional gas masks couldn’t be used due to their weak respiratory muscles. In response, “portable shelters” were invented, lightweight enough for a mother to carry, with air supplied through bellows, pumps, or the mask worn by the carrier herself. If no portable shelters were available, it was recommended to wrap the infants in waterproof cloths and place a handkerchief soaked in a sodium bicarbonate solution over their mouths.

For children between the ages of 2 and 5, an intermediate device was created, somewhere between a portable shelter and a mask, that protected only the head. Some authorities believed that gas masks couldn't be used effectively before the age of 12, but this theory was later proven incorrect. In Russia, Germany, England, and even Italy, masks were developed for children aged 5 to 6, with progressive training introduced to ensure they could use them properly.

Protection was also extended to domestic animals. Though animals, especially dogs and horses, had a higher resistance to chemical agents than humans, they still required protection. Their protective gear was similar to that of humans, but a significant challenge was dealing with their saliva, which had to be expelled outside the mask. Their paws were protected with bandages or specialized footwear.

In short, protection was provided for everyone: soldiers on the front lines, civilians, children, and even household pets, a striking evolution in response to the horrors of chemical warfare.