Why are governments not manufacturing gas masks in large numbers?

Question

I am aware of the covid virus as I am sure many other people are. I am the type of person that is uncomfortable wearing the paper mask/cloth masks governments are trying to require. Why don't they manufacture gas masks? Wouldn't this solve the "we are in this together issue" and allow places to reuse the masks over an indefinite period of time? In Singapore, they can fine a person $300 dollars for not wearing a mask. You can buy multiple gas masks for that amount of money. A chemical spill/attack could happen in the future and gas masks seem like a smart thing to stock pile. Why are governments not manufacturing gas masks in large numbers?

random_man · Accepted Answer

Some governments might be. But in the US, the Government really isn't in the business of manufacturing.

Even when the US Government wants something for stockpiles or whatever, they typically contract with private manufacturers.

So, in that regard, I'm sure the US does have contracts to manufacture gas masks and does have a stockpile of them, for the military if nothing else.

StephenWeinstein · Answer

Gas masks don't work for very long.  You have to keep replacing the cartridges.

xfilesfan · Answer

We can’t even convince people to wear a paper mask correctly.  What makes you think we could get people to wear gas masks?

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Why are governments not manufacturing gas masks in large numbers?

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