Gas decontamination

Hautentgiftungsmittel (Losantin)

These decontaminations were dispensed in a brown bakelite box containing 10 white tablets. In the event of gas contamination, the tablet should be crushed by hand and mixed with water or spit to form a paste, which was then applied to the affected areas.

In 1941, the finished mixed liquid Hautentgiftungssalbe (41) was introduced, which was to replace and facilitate the preparation of the decontamination preparation. However, the transition was never fully achieved and tablets were produced by the end of the war.

The soldier received 4 boxes of Losantin at the time they were given gas equipment. Losatin boxes should be stored in a breast pocket for quick and easy access.

The boxes are marked with a date on the bottom and have a colored adhesive tape that is glued around the top. This not only helped keep the lid in place, but also a quick and easy recognition, as the colors indicated the year of manufacture.

• Red (up to and including 1940)
• Black (1941)
• Light Green (1942)
• Yellow (1943)

Hautentgiftungssalbe (41)

In 1941, Losantin began to be replaced by a new ready-made mixed preparation called "Hautentgiftungssalbe 41".

This ointment was dispensed in an orange (for skin use) and brown (for weapons and field equipment) bakelite bottle.

Label wording:

1. Immediately remove chemicals from the skin (with a dry swab or newspaper).
2. Hold the container with the lid facing down. Shake vigorously twice, unscrew the cap and press on both sides to release the ointment.
3. Apply in a thin layer (3 drops per dog-sized area), rub for 5 minutes and wash off after a few hours.
4. Clean the cap and close the container carefully.
5. The ointment can be applied to the genitals except the acorn (just rub it lightly. Do not put it in the nose, mouth, eyes or on skin that has already been damaged by the warfare (redness, blisters)!

As with the Losantin boxes, the orders stated that they should be worn in the breast pocket of the uniform.