Did the people have gas masks in World War 1?

Answer 1

Soldiers in the trenches got gas masks after the need became apparent. Chlorine gas was first used by the Germans on April 22, 1915. Mustard gas was used in 1917. 30,000 died from the gas and 50,000 troops were injured because of gas use. Gas masks did not work with mustard gas because that burns the skin.

Here is a first hand account of gas warfare.
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/gas.htm
http://chemicalweapons.cenmag.org/when-chemicals-became-weapons-of-war/