Individual Protective Gear

equipment designed to protect people against radioactive and poisonous substances and bacteriological (biological) weapons. Such gear includes gas masks and respirators, special protective clothing, treated uniforms, and individual antigas kits.

Individual protective gear originated in various armies during World War I, when the German Army used poison gases (chlorine and mustard gas). The first individual protective gear included gauze bandages soaked in water solutions of hyposulfite and soda, special uniforms made of fabric treated with drying oil, and protective ointments. As weapons of mass destruction developed, individual protective gear was refined. The modern gas mask keeps radioactive and poisonous substances and bacteriological (biological) agents from reaching the respiratory organs, eyes, and face. Respirators prevent substances in an aerosol state, primarily radioactive dust, from reaching the respiratory organs. Protective clothing (including capes, stockings, gloves, light protective suits, and protective coveralls) protects the outer skin and clothing from contamination by radioactive substances and bacteriological agents and reduces the damage done by thermal radiation. Such clothing is made from airtight, elastic, and cold-resistant materials; the clothing may be sealed, covering the entire body and protecting it from gases and drops of poisonous substances, or it may be unsealed, thus protecting only against drops of poisonous substances. Treated uniforms are regular cotton fabric uniforms and underwear impregnated with special chemical substances. Soaking coats the threads of the fabric with a fine layer without affecting the gaps between the threads. As a result the material itself is air-permeable; the poisonous substances are absorbed while the air passes through the fabric.