Gas masks have been on the market for quite some time now. In fact, they were invented in the early 1900s. They’ve certainly come a long way since those early days. At this point, they can protect people against a wide range of hazards, and they’re more versatile than ever. Today’s gas masks are available in numerous varieties, and they’re readily available to not only the military but also members of the general public.
Looking Back at Early Gas Masks
Early versions of gas masks were rudimentary, especially by today’s standards. Some of the earliest options consisted of little more than cloth hoods and single respirator tubes. They were geared more toward preventing firefighters from inhaling smoke than thwarting pathogens, radiation, and other threats. From there, versions designed to protect soldiers against dangerous carbon monoxide given off by enemy shells came into play. Then, respirators inundated with chemicals to neutralize chlorine gas used in World War I entered the mix.
It didn’t take long for gas masks to begin their journey of evolution. After those earliest models, a version that was equipped with a cotton pad soaked in sodium hyposulfite solution became available. Like its predecessors, it was designed to help mitigate the effects of chlorine gas. Of course, that iteration wasn’t very effective or efficient. It was a far cry from the military gas mask designs on the market today.
Shortly thereafter, masks with more complex designs were invented. They were equipped with eyepieces for better visibility. Models with filter canisters that more closely resemble the gas masks we know today became available as well. Those could effectively protect soldiers against chlorine and phosgene gases. In time, those more advanced gas masks also become more widely available to not only soldiers but also emergency responders and even civilians. Today, of course, they’re also designed to protect against a wider variety of airborne contaminants.
Today’s Gas Masks
These days, an extensive selection of gas masks is on the market. They’re more flexible, user-friendly, and comfortable than their early counterparts. They’re also far more effective. While some offer higher quality, durability, and versatility than others, the best gas masks safeguard users from a long list of hazards. Those equipped with CBRN filters are among the most effective and adaptable because they can protect against a variety of threats. Take a look at some of the contaminants gas masks and filters can eliminate from the air their users breathe.
Particulate Matter
Particulate filters are designed to capture larger solid or liquid particles in the air. They’re best for trapping dust, pollen, smoke, soot, and certain aerosols that could cause respiratory issues and other health problems. They range from simple designs to highly advanced respirators used in industrial settings, for disaster relief efforts, and in other scenarios where dangerous particles may be lurking in the air.
Chemical Agents
Certain military gas masks and filters can help prevent users from inhaling chemical agents. They may use activated carbon to adsorb dangerous gases and keep them from making their way into people’s respiratory systems. They’ll thwart volatile organic compounds and additional harsh chemicals, so they’re crucial in industrial settings where exposure to those compounds is a very real threat. They can also protect against nerve gases and other chemical weapons by using metal oxides and other elements to break down and neutralize them.
Biological Hazards
Biological hazards are also major concerns. Those include airborne bacteria, viruses, and spores among other microorganisms. Gas masks with high-efficiency particulate air filters can effectively capture even particles and microorganisms as small as 0.3 microns. That level of filtration is effective during disease outbreaks, biological warfare, and many other emergency situations. Certain types of gas mask filters may further protect users with antimicrobial agents to prevent captured microorganisms from growing and multiplying.
Radiological and Nuclear Contaminants
Protecting people against radiological and nuclear contaminants requires special filtration measures. Gas masks and filter canisters designed to safeguard against those threats often use activated charcoal as one of their layers. With its vast, porous surfaces, activated charcoal can adsorb radioactive particles. Certain chemical filtration materials, resins, and other inclusions can trap radioactive contaminants as well.
Acidic and Alkaline Gases
Certain gas masks are designed to target acidic or alkaline gases that can cause serious respiratory damage. These gases are highly common, and they can come from an array of natural and manmade sources. In most cases, they’re only present in the air in small volumes. Still, high concentrations can be particularly dangerous without protective gas masks and filters to keep them at bay.
What to Look for in a Military-Grade Gas Mask
Keep in mind that not all gas masks are the same. Though they’re available in an array of designs and they come in various price brackets, some certainly don’t offer the level of protection people expect. With items like these that could literally mean the difference between life and death, it’s best not to choose based on price alone. Consider the following factors when selecting military gas masks.
- High-Quality Materials – For one, be sure to choose gas masks that are made from high-quality materials. They should be sturdy yet flexible and lightweight but strong enough to keep out contaminants. They should also be able to hold up to constant use, impacts, extreme temperatures, and other dangers. By extension, gas masks made from premium materials can withstand chemical, radiological, and nuclear threats to provide ultimate protection.
- Full-Face Coverage – When planning for the full range of airborne contaminants, it’s also best to choose gas masks that provide full-face coverage. They’ll safeguard the mouth, nose, and eyes against toxins and pathogens. Those that don’t offer full-face coverage leave the eyes exposed to hazards. Remember that many contaminants can affect the eyes, and some can even work their way into the body via those portals, so shielding the entire face is crucial.
- Comfort and Fit – Finding gas masks that offer both proper fit and comfort is also recommended. Those with ergonomic designs and adjustable fits tend to provide better protection. They ensure no contaminants are able to enter around the edges of the mask. Additionally, gas masks need to be comfortable, especially for long-term use. Otherwise, people may be more likely to take them off or wear them incorrectly, which could expose them to contaminants.
- Integral Features – Certain integral features can also make gas masks more useful. Those include built-in drinking systems for added protection against both dehydration and contamination. Integrated communication systems are also important. They allow for clear communication in times of crisis. Those are only a few of the possible features available in today’s gas masks.
Beyond those factors, military gas masks should be compatible with a variety of additional equipment. That includes protective suits and helmets. Choosing models that are compatible with a range of filter canisters is likewise advised. Several types of filters are available, each of which is designed to protect against specific contaminants. Masks that work with different types of canisters offer more versatile and comprehensive protection against airborne hazards.
Maintaining a Gas Mask
Regardless of the gas mask in question or its quality and features, proper care and maintenance is essential for optimal effectiveness. Be sure to inspect the mask before use to ensure it’s in top-notch condition. Look for cracks, tears, loose straps, and other problems that could detract from the mask’s protective capabilities. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for use thoroughly to avoid inadvertent exposure to contaminants.
Clean the mask after each use. Failing to clean it could expose the user to contaminants on its surface. Use mild soap and water when cleaning to prevent unnecessary damage. Inspect the mask again before each subsequent use as well to be sure it remains in good condition. Perform regular checks for proper fit too. Be sure the mask forms an effective seal around the user’s face. Check and readjust the straps as needed for both comfort and effectiveness.
Between uses, store the mask in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Those issues could damage the mask and detract from its efficacy. Change out the filters as needed. How frequently they need to be replaced depends on several factors, including the level of contaminants in the air and how long they’ve been exposed to the environment. Check the expiration date on the filters as well. Though they can last for years as long as they’re unopened and stored properly, they do have a shelf life.
Making the Most of Military Gas Masks in Emergency Situations
Gas masks have been on the market for more than a century now. During that time, they’ve evolved well beyond their rudimentary beginnings. They’re now equipped with an array of features to make them more durable, effective, and comfortable. They also feature far more advanced filtration systems than they did in their early years. At this point, they can protect against a long list of airborne contaminants.
Though gas masks were originally designed for use in the military, they’re available to everyone these days. To make the most of them, though, be sure to choose high-quality models with full-face protection and extensive compatibility with other equipment. Inspect, clean, and store them properly, and understand how to use them correctly for optimal effectiveness.
