Biological and chemical warfare is a constant threat to the world, due to which there have been advancements in development of chemical and biological (CB) protective clothing over the years to provide protection to the armed forces facing threats of CB warfare agents.

In addition to traditional military chemicals, there are concerns with regard to toxic industrial chemicals. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the civilian emergency responders such as police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians, too are provided with appropriate CB clothing.

Routes of chemical entry into the human body are oral, respiratory, and dermal. Of these three main routes, the dermal exposure is considered the primary mechanism of chemical entry through human body.

While considering the entry of chemical through respiration, it is essential to consider the respiratory mask as an essential part of chemical protective clothing to prevent the same.

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