Although gas is essential to life, it has always been the subject of innumerable concerns: this "invisible state" is a source of anxiety, fear and terror, because of the terrible disasters it causes. Accidents, as impressive as they are dramatic, regularly cost many lives. Yet gas detection is not a new phenomenon, and human ingenuity led to the first forms of gas detection and respiratory protection.
Over the centuries, gas detection has evolved from rudimentary methods to sophisticated technologies. Let's retrace the fascinating history of gas detection, from its humble beginnings to its modern advances.
It was during the 18th century that advances in chemistry laid the foundations for more sophisticated gas detection. Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele played a crucial role in identifying many gases, including sulfur dioxide and ammonia, and developing methods to detect them. He also discovered chlorine gas, a notorious toxic gas, and developed methods for its safe handling.
The Industrial Revolution of the first half of the 19th century marked the peak of mining. During this period, scientific progress in this field was limited, and accidents involving gas were very frequent.
The candle: the first explosimeter
It was in this period of massive mining that the first forms of gas detection appeared. The Davy Lamp, more commonly known as the "safety lamp", was the first gas prevention device. This candle, equipped with a fine wire mesh, served a dual purpose: lighting and protection. This fine wire mesh prevented flames spreading from the inside to the outside of the lamp, even when gas was present, as the heat was absorbed by the metal. However, when the flames intensified, this meant that an explosive gas was present.
The canary: the first detector of toxic and asphyxiating gases
In 19th-century Europe, during the coal rush, the canary was used as a reference tool. Because of its biological characteristics, with its smaller lungs and much higher blood circulation, it was highly more vulnerable than miners to toxic gases (such as carbon monoxide) and asphyxiating gases (such as carbon dioxide, or low oxygen levels). When the canary or finch (another less well-known bird) bristled, shrieked, fainted or even died, the mine had to be evacuated as a matter of urgency.
Cotton and sealed hose: the first gas mask
Between 1799 and 1914, engineers in the mining industry devised the first anti-gas masks to protect against the risks associated with gas in mines, and thus avoid slowing down production. This idea was taken up again in 1912 by an African-American who created the first air purifying respiratory protection equipment. This originally consisted of a bulky piece of cotton and two tubes that hung below the knees to collect air deemed "purer" because it was "not consumed". Humidified sponges were placed near the pipe outlets to improve air quality.
Textiles, urine and water: the first anti-gas filter
By 1914, at the start of the First World War, the first tests of chemical weapons were being carried out. One of the best-known, mustard gas (named for its yellowish color) was reputed to be extremely irritating, as was chlorine. Released in high doses into the atmosphere, it forced soldiers to get out of their trenches. The Canadians even experimented with a makeshift system to protect themselves against it: to do so, they took a cloth and soaked it in water, baking soda and... urine, as the ammonia contained in urine reacted with chlorine. Despite its efficiency, soldiers abandoned this system at the end of the war in favor of powdered sodium thiosulfate, which caused less discomfort.
These 4 examples represent the world's first widely-used forms of gas detection and respiratory protection. Today, the canary can thank the electrochemical cell, which detects toxic gases much more accurately! The candle has been replaced by the catalytic cell. Activated charcoal and special hoods have unapologetically replaced the rudimentary methods used by miners and soldiers in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, gas detection is used in a variety of applications, from air quality monitoring to industrial safety. Modern gas detectors now use a combination of technologies, from smart to electrochemical, solid-state and even infrared sensors. Specific methods via computer networks enable real-time monitoring and rapid response in the event of hazardous gas detection.
The history of gas detection reflects a constant evolution from basic methods to cutting-edge technologies. This continuous progression reflects the society's commitment to safety and environmental protection. Gas detection remains a crucial area for ensuring a safe and sustainable future.
As technology keeps on forward, so does the evolution of respiratory protection equipment. Research and development aim to make these devices more effective, more comfortable and easier to use.
It is important to note that today, the effectiveness of respiratory protection depends on several factors: the design of the device, the quality of the filters used, the appropriate fit on the user's face and compliance with safety regulations. These are constantly evolving to ensure adequate protection against respiratory hazards.