Changes

==Examples==

==Examples==

#Protection (more under practical) - Masks can be used to protect the wearer from things ranging from gunfire (as in the head masks worn by the SWAT team) to gas masks, which protected the wearer from biological and chemical attacks.

#Protection (more under practical) - Masks can be used to protect the wearer from things ranging from gunfire (as in the head masks worn by the SWAT team) to gas masks, which protected the wearer from biological and chemical attacks. [[Image:Chicago fire fighters.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Two Chicago Fire Department firefighters, one of which is wearing a protective mask.]]

#Performance - In many theatre groups, masks are used for dramatic effect or as a way to add emotion to a performance.  

#Performance - In many theatre groups, masks are used for dramatic effect or as a way to add emotion to a performance.  

#Amusment/costumes - Masks can be worn for personal amusment or to impersonate another person or character. Perhaps the most well known display of this is [[Halloween]]

#Amusment/costumes - Masks can be worn for personal amusment or to impersonate another person or character. Perhaps the most well known display of this is [[Halloween]]

#Ceremonies - Within African and ancient American (both North and South) societies, there were many rituals that involved masks. In the ancient religions (some of which still exist today) masks were believed to heighten the atonement one had with a Deity,  

#Ceremonies - Within African and ancient American (both North and South) societies, there were many rituals that involved masks. In the ancient religions (some of which still exist today) masks were believed to heighten the atonement one had with a Deity,  

#Practical purposes - In the modern era, masks are used practically for a wide range of reasons.

#Practical purposes - In the modern era, masks are used practically for a wide range of reasons.

===Medical===

===Medical===

Medical masks, such as oxygen masks, are generally used as a way to treat medical conditions or prevent the spreading of diseases. The masks worn by surgeons protect the patient just as much as they protect the doctor. While an oxygen mask does not provide protection per say, it does allow a patient with a lung problem, such as [[emphysema]] to lead a normal life.

Medical masks, such as oxygen masks, are generally used as a way to treat medical conditions or prevent the spreading of diseases. The masks worn by surgeons protect the patient just as much as they protect the doctor. While an oxygen mask does not provide protection per say, it does allow a patient with a lung problem, such as [[emphysema]] to lead a normal life.