The gas mask first came into used during World War I when chemical warfare was being used. Chemical attacks were becoming common place. When we think of the gas mask, we think of all the negative associations that come attached to the image. This includes chemical warfare and people dying. The gas mask is also used in scary imagery whether it be art or movies, the gas mask is a creepy looking item.

However, people love creepy things. The symbolism of the gas mask has been adopted by different subcultures that stem from gothic to steampunk. This being said, the make for really cool tattoos and people love to get them. Not only do they love to get gas mask tattoos for the imagery but there are some popular characters that wear gas masks. So, when factor in all the fans of these different video games and TV shows, there are a lot of reason to get a gas mask tattoo.

Below you will find information about the gas mask and how it first came into use. From there we will talk about the gas mask tattoo meaning and what it symbolizes for those wearing the tattoo. There are many variations and we won’t be able to touch on all of them but combined with the symbolism of the gas mask and some of the famous characters that wear them, you should feel pretty informed on the reasons why someone would want a gas mask tattoo.

History of the Gas Mask

According to the publication Popular Mechanics, the Greeks used a common sponge as a gas mask. The people of Iraq created a version of a gas mask in the 9th century for those that worked in polluted wells.

The first respirator was invented in 1785 by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier. These respirators were used by miners. From there you might have seen the strange bird beak looking mask that plague doctors would fill with herbs during. The leader for the most modern gas mask was created by Lewis P. Haslett in 1847. His creation allowed the person wearing it to breath through a nose and mouthpiece. They would also be able to take in air by way of a bulb shaped filter and exhale through a vent out of the mask.