[babygene]

bump for 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

[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.

[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.

[Freebird Forever]

Hope these help

Try here

and here

[blackdog]

Breathe deep and long like the rest of us without gas masks.

[Axenolith]

MSA and 3M sites shown. I always carry an MSA full face air purifying respirator with GMCH (dual HEPA\Organics) cartridges. If your cartridges have been open or you even have the slightest doubt, replace them.

REMEMBER-----> No air purifying respirator is recommended for any type of Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere.

http://www.westernsafety.com/msaproducts/msapage6.html

http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/safety/occ_health_safety/node_GS3W4TCM7Sbe/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_5SDD44F7DZge/gvel_WRBPCLK8SWgl/theme_us_ohes_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html