A gas mask is a breathing device that forms a tight cover over the nose and mouth to protect the wearer from airborne chemicals, including some deadly chemical weapons. It is held to the face with straps, and it may be worn in association with a protective hood. It contains filters to clean the air that is inhaled, and a vent to exhale air back into the atmosphere.
The filter system can be designed to remove only particulates or gases, or both. It is inserted in the mask by screwing it into a holder that fits over the mouth or nose, and is connected via hoses to a container of oxygen (or a self-contained breathing apparatus such as an SCBA). A variety of lenses are available to provide vision. The earliest examples were circular glass or mica lenses, but the more popular later triplex lens style (a cellulose acetate lens sandwiched between two glass ones) became standard from around 1920.
These protective devices can be used in military situations, such as during chemical attacks by biological or chemical weapons. They can also be used in factories or plant nurseries where toxic chemicals are being used, to protect workers from the harmful effects. It is important for people using such equipment to have proper training in the use and care of their gear, and they must follow cautions and limitations set out with the specific equipment.
While careful training and the availability of protective equipment can limit casualties from an attack by a toxic substance, these devices will only offer protection for a limited time before they must be replaced or cleaned. This is because the filters will clog, the substrates that absorb poisonous chemicals will run out, or the reactive materials in a chemical-absorbing filter will deplete. A good quality gas mask will have a mechanism for quickly swapping out used filters, so the user can continue to breathe fresh air and work safely.
Galls carries a large selection of gas masks for sale, along with many accessories to help them function at their best. These include replacement air filters in a wide range of sizes, eye protection options and more. We also carry a selection of other personal safety items, such as first aid kits and helmets.
For a more portable option, you can choose a disposable mask that comes with one or more air filters in a small plastic shell that is screwed onto the inlet, or an emergency self-contained breathing apparatus such as those worn by firefighters. These respirators have their own tanks of air that they can draw from, and they are much lighter than a full-face mask with a hose and a large filtered container that is hung around the neck or waist. These are more suited to emergency or disaster situations, because they are easier to pack and store. However, they do not protect against certain types of toxins, such as a biotoxin or an uncontrolled fire.