Gas mask

Gas mask is a device designed to protect the wearer from inhaling airborne pollutants and toxic gases. The mask forms a sealed cover over the nose and mouth, but may also cover the eyes and other vulnerable soft tissues of the face. Some gas masks are also respirators, though the word gas mask is often used to refer to military equipment.

Design and function

Gas masks are used in construction to protect against welding fumes, in demolition to protect against asbestos or other hazardous particles, and in the chemical industry when handling hazardous substances, as in making repairs to leaking equipment or cleaning after spills; workers are usually issued gas masks as a precaution against leaks.

Types of gas masks

There are two main types of gas masks: air-purifying and atmosphere-supplying. Air-purifying gas masks are typically used in environments with sufficient oxygen but contain harmful substances, while atmosphere-supplying gas masks are used in oxygen-deficient environments or where unknown substances may be present.

History

The gas mask has a history that dates back thousands of years, though it wasn't until World War I that gas masks were extensively used and developed. Modern gas masks are quite a bit more sophisticated than their early counterparts. The primary improvement being the development of a chemical & biological filtration system.

See also

• Respirator
• Chemical warfare
• Biological warfare
• Asbestos
• World War I

References

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