Gas mask weighs less than half-pound.

• Author: Foster, Sharon
• Position: Tech talk - Potomac Emergency Escape Mask - Brief Article

A new lightweight emergency escape mask was designed to protect victims of biological or chemical attacks.

The Potomac Emergency Escape Mask--made by Germany's Helsatech GmbH--weighs less than half a pound.

A company spokesman noted that traditional escape masks can weigh as much as 10 pounds.

The Potomac mask is designed to protect against airborne pathogens, such as anthrax, cyanide, sarin and smallpox, as well as smoke and teargas.

It is "very different from a military-style gas mask," said the spokesman.

Unlike military versions, which are intended to be worn on the battlefield, the Potomac is meant to be worn by non-combatants for a short period of time, as...