jay dubaya Posted 2 January , 2009 Share Posted 2 January , 2009 Hi folks, I've just come across a reference to the use of sneezing powder used prior to a gas attack. The Germans having realised that the masks wouldn't filter the stuff and the troops would have to remove their masks just in time for the for the arrival of gas. Is there any truth in the use of sneezing powder? Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans k. Posted 2 January , 2009 Share Posted 2 January , 2009 Yes it's true. These types of agents, which are non lethal except in very large doses, are called sternutators. They can cause much more than sneezing fits. During WW1 Diphenylchlorarsine, delivered in high explosive shells ("blue cross" shells), was the type used by the Germans. This irritant was in the form of a powder, and would enter the mouth and nose through the respirator's filter. It brought about fits of sneezing, vomiting, nausea and severe mucus build up. It was used in combination with lethal asphyxiating agents like phosgene ("green cross" shells). The idea was that the effects of the diphenylchlorarsine would force the wearer to remove his mask prematurely; he would then be exposed to the lethal gas. Hans Below are two German leather gas masks with 11-C-11 filters introduced in 1917. The left filter has a snap on attachment containing a dust filter which was designed to keep out this particular agent. Another view of the filter with attachment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedCoat Posted 2 January , 2009 Share Posted 2 January , 2009 Cheers for the thread guys, never heard of any of this before ... Donnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay dubaya Posted 2 January , 2009 Author Share Posted 2 January , 2009 Many thanks for the reply Grabenhelm, I find it truely amazing that such tactics were used. Are there any details of how widely it was used and by which armies? Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Droocoo Posted 2 January , 2009 Share Posted 2 January , 2009 Is that just a far more potent version of snuff?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
centurion Posted 2 January , 2009 Share Posted 2 January , 2009 No snuff is merely powdered tobacco and if it causes sneezing this indicates that it is either a pretty cheap variety or the imbiber is very inexperienced and is taking the wrong quantity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
per ardua per mare per terram Posted 31 January , 2009 Share Posted 31 January , 2009 I find it truely amazing that such tactics were used. It would be a natural esculation and solution to the problem of gas being filtered by gas masks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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