Most gas masks are also respirators, though the word gas mask is often used to refer to military equipment (such as a field protective mask), the scope used in this article. 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. Army soldier ( USAWC photo) Indian muleteers and mule wearing gas masks, France, FebruA Polish MUA gas mask, used in the 1970s and 1980sĪ gas mask is an item of personal protective equipment used to protect the wearer from inhaling airborne pollutants and toxic gases. 1915 Zelinsky–Kummant protivogaz, designed in 1915, was one of the first modern-type full-head protection gas masks with a detachable filter and eyelet glasses, shown here worn by U.S.
A typical industrial-grade gas mask for hazardous chemicals and dust A World War I British P Helmet c. For peacetime uses, including masks designed to filter gasses and particles, see elastomeric respirator.
For the mask used to inhale the gas through, see Mask § Functional masks.
