"In the current state of technology, individual respiratory protection for first responders consists primarily in a gas mask and an activated carbon filter. Filters protect either against chemical warfare agents, either against (a part of the) toxic industrial chemicals. Combined filters exist, but with limited efficiency and a high burden for the wearer (breathing resistance, canister weight,…). These filters are also sensitive to the deleterious influence of the water vapour present in the ambient air. Biological protection is solely provided by the aerosol pre-filter. The purpose of this activity is to develop new nanoporous adsorbents that offer a sufficient protection for a wide range of toxic chemicals (industrial and military) and biological threats, under severe and wide-range environmental conditions. For quick response in case of a chemical or biological incident the same adsorbent will be incorporated in a hood. Thus offering a short-time, but quickly operational, respiratory protection to first responders and the public."