Gas Masks and Filters

[King_of_Hindsight]

I was wondering if anyone had any links to websites with information on Gas Mask filters...of all types??? Without going into too much detail, I work on a federal reservation and I have been provided with several masks to hand out to my staff, including the M14 and M40A1 models, complete with standard military filter. I'm hearing from a source that the filter in the M14, a light olive green, unmarked model, has been with the mask since delivered some 12 years ago. I have no idea how long the M40A1 has been around, but the filters also look original.

Regardless, if anyone knows of a link, let me know. I have tried search engines a few times and get cluttered in commercial sites selling masks, and when I look towards military sites, it focuses on training the troop on how to don/clear. Nothing ever leads to filter, unless it speaks of not dropping or getting wet. Any guidance towards shelf life and exact chemical use would be greatly appreciated.

[babygene]

bump for an answer.

[King_of_Hindsight]

BG, apologies..not too much up on bump. Does that mean to give you a bump if I want an answer?

[backhoe]

I have to leave the house in a moment, otherwise I'd run a search & give more detail- shelf life is indefinite if the filter retains its original seals. When in doubt, get fresh filters- several.

There are a number of "survival" sites that sell some masks & filters. In addition, some commercial outfitters sell respirators with various types of filters for different poisons and gases ( for contingency use if you can't find a military model ).

Somewhere among the links within this link, is some information on gas masks:

Nuclear, Biological, & Chemical Warfare- Survival Skills, Pt. II

[An Old Man]

Did you find this in your search?

Q: How long are gas masks and filters designed to last?

A: All gas mask sold by Civiliangasmask.com are tested and certified in the Neoterik factory near Washington DC. All filters are new. Test results are available for all filters Gas masks have a shelf life of 20 years or longer, and filters have a 10-year shelf life. If you have a mask and filter that was purchased from a swap meet, gun show or surplus store and is not in its original packaging, assume it is useless. This is one chance not worth taking.

Filters (canisters) purchased from CivilainGasMasks.com have a shelf life of up to ten (10) years. Each filter is designed to last from five (5) to eight (8) hours. However, if concentrations of a deadly toxin are extremely high, it is possible that each filter will only last ten (10) minutes. It is highly advisable that when you purchase a mask, you purchase a decent supply of filters as well. We have attempted to make bulk purchases (2 to 6) of additional filters as inexpensive as possible.

REMEMBER... your new mask is useless without specially manufactured filters.

Many gas masks made years ago were made of an inferior grade of rubber and plastic. They were not designed to protect against some of the agents used by terrorists today. Some chemical agents will eat away at the inferior rubber and plastic used in the older, ineffective masks.

Semper Fi

[King_of_Hindsight]

Thanks Back...I appreciate your time. I agree, when in doubt, get new filters, but I want to go to government and give them something in writing...something that forces them to purchase new filters.

I'll hit your link now and see what I can dig up. You were very kind to take the time to respond.

[backhoe]

You bet- got to run; wife needs a ride home from the local college...

[cavtrooper21]

Rule one: If you are not sure about your filters -REPLACE 'EM. Now!
I'm not sure anymore what the filter life is on either of those masks, but there should be a small PMCS booklet with each mask. That should tell you what you need to know. Have a HAZMAT qualified /NBC trainer go over the masks with your staff. Those masks will not help if you do not know how to use them. Several Israeli citizens died from improper mask use, while none died from chemical attack!
I have a M40, and several canisters + 2 civilian market hood units for my son (4) and my wife. These masks are are checked monthly. Better safe than sorry!
My fervent prayers are that we (or you and your staff) never need them.

[King_of_Hindsight]

Good Stuff, thanks OM. I'm in the DC area (and a former 5811 in the Corps) but it was so long ago, my NBC training days have long gone. Interesting how the 10 year shelf life to filters plays in there. I would love to find some lmililtary literature that backs that. And the poor grade rubber from older masks, such as , gee, the old M14s???

Anyway, thanks for taking a few moments out of your night to help...

[babygene]

No, it means I'm intrested in the answer and the easist way to monitor the thread is to bump it.

The gas masks I have are Israel and I have only 1 spare cartridge for each. I don't know much about them otherwise...

[YoungKentuckyConservative]

I've done a little bit of research, nothing too serious, but I've concluded the following:

1. Buy new, by American, if possible. You can't trust a used mask. It's a simple setup, but why take the risk when your life depends on it.

2. The most important feature is that canister you are questioning. It MUST be able to protec you against the appropriate agents, in my case all known NBC, and it MUST be in reasonable condition. You can identify the age of most cannisters by the serial/production number. If it's a 3M cannister you'll find many websites that help you identify the production age.

Also, make sure you have the Tyvek suits to go along with it, or you might be surviving long enough to watch your skin melt.

[Senator Pardek]

Some chemical agents will eat away at the inferior rubber and plastic used in the older, ineffective masks.

Then what the hell will these agents do to one's skin?!

[King_of_Hindsight]

Cav, thanks much...but I'm in an environment where the masks were given to me "as is" with the provider not expecting too much fuss. It's a PC move for them to say they issued masks...gives them the warm and fuzzies. I say they are worthless and need something in writing. You know, and I know, as well as many that will post here, that if in doubt, a replacement is needed. However, those providing the mask have to be forced in that direction. All the manuals included with the masks are either gone, or don't refer to filter shelf life at all (believe it or not).

[King_of_Hindsight]

Good...I'm learning "Bump"

[King_of_Hindsight]

One issue with the M14 is the cannister is obviously OEM, but un,marked. I know from my days in the corps, late 70's, early 80's, we used the M17A1, with unmarked filters.

[King_of_Hindsight]

Um, eat it?

[Freebird Forever]

Hope these help

Try here

and here

[An Old Man]

It's been over 40 years since I attended NBC school, but you really do not want to come into contact with those chemical agents. Most cause blisters both on the exterior surface of the body, as well as in the lungs.

If the blisters in the lungs should burst, I recall the cause of death is by drowning.

Some time ago, I came across a web site tjat listed the actions of the chemical agents. I will look it up later this evening and post a link for you to read.

Semper Fi

[King_of_Hindsight]

Wow, FBF...First link took me exactly where I needed. Thnak you very much.

[King_of_Hindsight]

That's kind of you...thanks