Anti-toxic mask - lifesaving in chemical warfare

The toxic gas mask is an essential tool, supposedly to help minimize the impact when a biological and chemical attack occurs.

The civil uprising in Syria escalated, some neighbors worried of becoming victims of chemical attacks. Many international observers believe that the Syrian government uses a number of toxic gases against the opposing forces and civilians in recent weeks.

In response to the risk of chemical weapons, the demand for gas masks in Israel has increased sharply, 62% of Tel Aviv residents and 75% of Kiryat Shmona residents have had gas masks, according to Thetower. Israel.

Depending on the structure and material, the respirator can help filter dust until toxic gases such as sarin, organic pesticides affect the central nervous system.

Anti-toxic gas mask.(Photo: Shutterstock)

Masks such as disposable filter paper masks are available in stores, but it is only capable of filtering small particles of dust in the air. This type of mask is judged by the number of particles they can filter. A 95-level rating mask filters 95% or more of 0.3 micron particles; 100-level ranking masks filter 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or more, which is equivalent to a high-performance HEPA air filter.

Paper masks do not filter for most chemicals such as paint vapor, toxic gas sarin, organic phosphates. These threats require activated carbon masks to be processed, depending on the density of the toxins and the duration of use, the activated carbon filter will stop working and need to be replaced.

However, the use of masks has certain limitations, including the most advanced mask and is believed to work if chemically attacked. Because it does not protect the eyes and the absolute face, just a leak or a small gap can make them useless. That's why many users have to wear masks that connect to an air supply, such as a small air box or a diving tank.

Many public health experts doubt the effectiveness of gas masks in the case of bioterrorism attacks.'I think buying gas masks to protect yourself from chemical or biological attacks is ineffective. For example, anthrax biology agents, masks are almost ineffective, ' said Dr. John Clements, Tulane University professor of immunology and microbiology in New Orleans, USA.

In addition, most masks are not suitable for small children, not suitable for the faces of men with long hair on their faces and glasses.