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To the Editor.—
Gas masks are a safe and well-known protection against nerve gases such as sarin, soman, or tabun. The mask prevents nerve gas absorption via the pulmonary and mucous membranes. However, in patients with permanent or temporary tracheostomy and spontaneous breathing, additional measures are required to provide protection.Withstanding the threat of Iraqi nerve gases attack, we faced an immediate necessity for protecting the airways of such patients. We have developed a simple device that fulfills the essential requirements.The device consists of a swivel connector and extension flex tubes. The filter of the gas mask is connected to the distal edge of the extension flex tube, and the filter opening is sealed. The gas mask is placed on the patient for oral, nasal, and conjuctival protection, and the extension flex tube with the gas filter is connected to the system for pulmonary tree protection (Figure).We believe