The gas mask only protects the user from digesting, inhaling and contact through the eyes (many agents affect through eye contact). 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. A Polish MUA gas mask, used in the 1970s and 1980sĪ gas mask is a mask used to protect the wearer from inhaling airborne pollutants and toxic gases.
