The GP-7 gas mask is a civilian gas mask that was produced by the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. The mask was designed to provide protection to civilians against nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) [1] agents during the threat of the Cold War. [2] Its military counterpart, the PMK was intended to be used exclusively for military purposes as opposed to the GP-7 which was designed solely for civil defense. [3]
GP-7 Gas Mask | |
---|---|
Type | Gas mask |
Place of origin | Soviet Union |
Service history | |
In service | 1988-Current |
Used by | Soviet Union, Russia |
The GP-7 is made from a black rubbery material that was intended to be both durable and flexible. It has two circular eyepieces that provide a wide field of vision and allow the wearer to easily see in any direction. The mask also features a voice diaphragm for clear communication, a drinking tube for hydration while wearing the mask, and an exhale valve designed to prevent the buildup of moisture in the mask.
The GP-7 gas mask has a "helmet-mask" design, which allows it to fit over the head and be worn with a variety of military headgear. The mask has an adjustable elastic head harness and a rubber seal that ensures a secure and comfortable fit. The mask also has a lightweight design, which makes it easy to wear for extended periods of time. [4]
The GP-7 gas mask uses a Gost 40mm filter thread that allows it to be equipped with a variety of different filters, and each filter was usually made for a collective or specific threat. The filter can be attached on the users left side of the mask. The filter provides protection against a wide range of NBC agents, including chemical warfare agents like Sarin and mustard gas, as well as biological agents like anthrax and smallpox, although mostly intended to be used for ammonia and its derivatives. It is to be noted that numerous other gas masks, such as the GP-5, have filters similar to these and have been proven to contain asbestos, [5] arsenic [6] and chromium. [7]
The GP-7 gas mask was designed to be durable and long-lasting, and has been tested extensively in a variety of conditions. It was also designed to be easy to use and maintain, with spare parts and accessories readily available. The mask comes with a carrying bag for easy storage and transport, as well as an instruction manual that provides detailed information on how to use and maintain the mask.
FPC protective action time for hazardous chemicals at an air flow rate of 30 dm³/min.
FPC protective action time when used with an additional DPG-3 cartridge for hazardous chemicals at an air flow rate of 30 dm³/min.
From 2008 to 2014, a number of Russian manufacturing enterprises developed and produced a range of modifications of the GP-7 (GP-7V) civilian gas mask. The development was based on the use of similar face parts from the PMG (PMG-V) and their modifications - PMU (PMU-V), as well as filters in metal housings, such as GP-7KB-Universal (later renamed to FK-Universal), VK 320, VK 450 and others. Additionally, some manufacturing enterprises produced variations of civilian gas masks with plastic cases for filters, such as GP-7BV (GP-7B) and GP-7B (GP-7VMB). However, in these variations, in addition to the use of different materials for the filters, there were other significant design features that do not allow these variations of gas masks to be unambiguously classified as modifications of the GP-7 (GP-7V) gas mask. Currently, the following modifications of the GP-7 (GP-7V) are the most widely used: GP-7VM, GP-7VMT, GP-8V, GP-7B Universal (GP-7BV Universal), GP-9, UZS VK and MZS VK.
Despite the wide variety of modifications, the GP-7 (GP-7V) civilian gas mask still remains unparalleled in a number of indicators of protective action time for substances such as chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and, when used with an additional DPG-3 cartridge, ammonia.
GP-7 were packed, transported and stored in their original packaging - wooden boxes, which were sealed by and at the manufacturing warehouse. Each box contains 20 sets of gas masks: 8 sets with face parts of size 1, 8 sets of face parts of size 2, 4 sets of face parts of size 3. Each box contains a manual for the operation of the gas mask. In box No. 1 of each batch of gas masks, a form for the batch is inserted. As a rule, each batch contains 1000 pieces of civilian gas masks GP-7 (50 boxes).
The warranty period of storage of the civilian gas mask GP-7 provided by the manufacturers is 12 years from the date of manufacture, [13] [14] with the exception of non-fogging films NPN-59, the warranty period of which is 7 years. [15]
The GP-7 provides a limited time of protective action against ammonia and its derivatives. It does not provide protection against organic gases and vapours with a boiling point of less than 65 °C [149 °F] such as: methane, ethane, acetylene, ethylene oxide, isobutane, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
To provide additional protection against ammonia and its derivatives, the mask can be equipped with an additional DPG-3 cartridge [16] , which, when used in conjunction with the FPK GP-7K, is connected to the front part of the connecting corrugated tube. To protect against carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, it is necessary to use a set of filters of special PZU-PC.
Quality control and acceptance of civilian gas masks GP-7 at manufacturing enterprises is carried out by military representations of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation.
The GP-7 gas mask was widely used by Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces during the Cold War era, and is still used by various military forces [17] and military enthusiasts today. While it has been largely replaced by newer models in modern military equipment, it remains a popular choice for cosplayers, [18] collectors and enthusiasts of military equipment. [19] It is also still occasionally used in modern Post-Soviet countries for civil defence. [20] [21] [22]
Ammonia is an inorganic chemical compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3. A stable binary hydride and the simplest pnictogen hydride, ammonia is a colourless gas with a distinctive pungent smell. Biologically, it is a common nitrogenous waste, and it contributes significantly to the nutritional needs of terrestrial organisms by serving as a precursor to fertilisers. Around 70% of ammonia produced industrially is used to make fertilisers in various forms and composition, such as urea and diammonium phosphate. Ammonia in pure form is also applied directly into the soil.
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An air purifier or air cleaner is a device which removes contaminants from the air in a room to improve indoor air quality. These devices are commonly marketed as being beneficial to allergy sufferers and asthmatics, and at reducing or eliminating second-hand tobacco smoke.
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