Use by the Russian Army of protective means against German chemical weapon applied during the First World War.

The first can be considered the simplest mask gauze or cotton-gauze impregnated with sodium hyposufite, which pressed to his face and breathed through it (i. e. <> gas mask, based on the principle of chemical neutralization of toxic substances). The most successful type of domestic wet gas mask is considered to be a gas mask constructed. by N. T.Prokofev with hermetically inserted glasses of plain glass. Using by Germany all new toxic substances required continuous improvement of gas masks and the use of not chemical, but physical principle of neutralization, based on the non-specific binding molecules toxic agent. Creation in Russia really acting dry gas mask associated with the name of the outstanding scientist. Zelinsky, first proposed, to use as activated carbon adsorbent. Engineer Petrograd factory < E.L.Kummant developed rubber helmet with goggles, do not require special mounting head and reliably protects both respiratory tract and eyes from exposure to toxic substances. The principle of the device mask Zelinsky-Kummant - canister with activated charcoal (and various additives) and a rubber facemask-is the basis of all modern designs masks.

[Use of chemical war gases at the Russian-German front during the First World War].

The First World War was notable for the widespread use of machine military hardware and absolutely new type of weapon--chemical weapon. As a result of the first gas attack by chlorine undertaken by the German army against the Russian armies on May, 31st, 1915, heavy poisonings have received 9100 people, 6000 of them died. Chemical attack of Germany against Russia was limited by the use chemical gases of suffocating action: chlorine, bromine,phosgene and diphosgene. It is not known exactly, how many times Germany attacked Russian positions with use of chemical gases. On available data, in the First World War from application by German of the chemical weapon Russia has suffered more, than any other of the at war countries: from five hundred thousand poisoned have died nearby 66,000 people. In turn, having received in the order the chemical weapon of own manufacture, Russian army itself tried to attack in the German armies. It is authentically known only about several cases of application dy Russian of fighting poison gases, and in all cases of loss of germen were insignificant.