![]() And adding insult to injury, the lenses that are crimped into the rubber are small and easily fog up. As effective as that may seem, it’s very uncomfortable for the wearer. The latex rubber adheres to the skin and creates a seal, preventing contaminants from inhalation. The GP-5 is a helmet-type gas mask with white/black rubber that stretches over the head. To this day, if you really wanted a GP-5, you could potentially go to the site of the Chernobyl disaster and you’d likely find several in the debris, scattered amidst the disaster zones. Since most Soviet Union civilians were expected to have a GP-5 gas mask (including the children but with a longer hose), they were cheaper than most, simple to produce and easy to obtain. The Dicey Design of the GP-5 and GP-7Īs mentioned, the GP-5 was specifically designed to counter a possible nuclear war with the U.S. After the GP-5m (the upgrade which came after the GP-5), the Soviet Union then began production on the GP-7 gas mask which was distributed in 1988. It was used as a way of preventing the inhalation of toxic and radioactive substances, including bacterial agents.Īs stated, the GP-5 would cease production in 1990, and so if you find one today, it’s likely it will NOT be as effective against nuclear disaster or a respiratory hazard. All civilians were advised that these gas masks would last up to 24 hours. What mattered then was that it was (1) super cheap and (2) super simple to manufacture. When COVID-19 hit the U.S., people fled to many alternative means of safety, and I mean VERY alternative means, as you can see below: So, before you click “buy” on that Israeli gas mask you saw on eBay, let’s look at your other options… TABLE OF CONTENTSĪre the GP-5 and GP-7 a Health Hazard or a Safety Net? Of course, it’s at your own discretion to buy these products, but in this article we discuss the origin of these surplus gas masks, why they’re such a concern, the reason they’ve become so popular and why the more modern alternatives are not only safer, but guaranteed to be safer. These masks are likely to be outdated, unreliable and unsafe. ![]() These masks are commonly mistaken for the SchM41M mask, the difference being the color of the intake and outtake valves.(Image source: Courtesy of JustOneSuitcase)Īs mentioned in our Definitive Gas Mask Buyer’s Guide, there are several types of surplus gas masks still on the market today that are best avoided. There is also a Russian military version called the SchM41M, which often uses a coffee can-style filter with a hose. This gas mask has spawned many copies for instance, the TF-1 gas mask is similar to the GP-5, and the SchMS sniper mask has the same hood style design. The GP-5 was made famous for its apparent use in Chernobyl after the nuclear disaster, but in reality the IP-4 rebreather was commonly used during cleanup, although some GP-5 gas masks were used. Furthermore, the GP-5 mask is known to tightly cling to the skin of the head, making it only wearable by having relatively short hair. They also contain activated charcoal, which can be harmful if inhaled by the wearer in the event the cotton seals inside the filter are compromised.Ī variation of the GP-5 gas mask is the GP-6, which features a circular piece of metal that contains a thin piece of plastic on the inside, which acts as a voice diaphragm, as well as the dubious design for ear holes, which compromised the seal of the mask. There has been some debate as to whether or not the filters for these masks contain asbestos. They are a favourite of gas mask collectors because they are common and have the "old" circular eyepieces like masks used in WWII and the "helmet" type masks. ![]() It was concluded that the mask will last in an NBC situation for 24 hours. They have recently been tested in Poland to see if they have NBC protective capabilities. They were originally made to protect the wearer from radioactive fallout during the Cold War and were distributed to most fallout shelters. The GP-5 also comes with sealed glass eye pieces. It can operate in all weather and withstand temperatures from −40 degrees (Celsius and Fahrenheit) to 114 ☌ (237 ☏) (174 Fahrenheit). It is a lightweight mask, weighing 1.09 kg (2.42 lbs). It was issued to the Soviet population starting in 1970 production ended in 1989. Old gas mask formerly used by the NVA in East Germany
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