Gas mask is also known as personal protective equipment or PPE. The protective equipment was first invented in ninth century by the Banu Musa brothers in Iraq. A gas mask is a device used to prevent an individual from inhaling harmful gases, toxic chemicals, biological agents, bacteria, viruses, vaporized poisons and microscopic particles.
These tight-fitting devices are worn over the face. These equipment are especially designed to protect the nose, mouth, eyes, soft face tissues, skin and internal organs. These devices form a sealed cover. They seal off the wearers mouth and nose to protect the airway. These masks are usually worn along with protective body suits to counter the harmful effects of toxic chemicals.
Some models of
gas masks feature full hoods, protective eye goggles, eye pieces, drinking tubes and face pieces. The drinking tubes can be attached to a water bottle. Some masks also have one or two filters attached to them. Some of them have a large filter attached to the face piece through a flexible hose. The eye pieces are made of either glass or acrylic. Glass eye pieces are usually thick and small because glass is very brittle. The modern gas masks are manufactured from elastic polymer. They feature adjustable straps, which may be tightened or loosened to secure a good fit.
The protective devices work on the basis of filtration, absorption and chemical neutralization. Gas masks are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. These protective equipment have a wide range of applications:
Military Use: Many toxic chemicals, such as chlorine gas, hydrogen cyanide, mustard agent and phosgene are used during wars. Also, biological weapons, such as harmful bacteria, viruses and pathogens are used during the wars. These toxic chemicals and biological agents can cause a large number of causalities among the soldiers. The protective equipment are used by soldiers to protect themselves from the toxic chemicals and biological weapons. These protective equipment are also used by police officers and rioters during riots to protect themselves from CS-gas or tear gas.
Industrial Use: These protective items are also used for industrial purposes. These devices are used by graffiti taggers and industrial workers who work with hazardous materials, such as asbestos. These masks are usually worn while performing sandblasting, metal working, paint spraying and demolition.
Theme parties: These masks are also worn by people in theme parties for fun. They are often used as costumes for making a unique style statement. Further, these devices are also used in clubs and bars to prevent the inhalation of cigarette and chemical smoke. These protective masks are a great option for those who are allergic to smoke or hate smog-filled environments.
