Should it be kept in the home? At work? In the car? Or, should there be one in each location? It’s impossible to predict the time and place that a potential threat may take place. This begs the question about where you should keep a gas mask. Especially in the case of biological and chemical agents, even momentary exposure can be fatal. Unless a gas mask is securely deployed before attacks are made, it’s often already too late. These tend to be the most readily available and popular. I would suggest purchasing a mask that accepts 40mm NATO threaded filter canisters. At $40-$50 a pop, the cost of replacement filters can add up quick. Second, it’s important to keep track of the expiration date for any filters on hand. What does this mean? First, it’s not hard to imagine the need for several filters per person depending on exposure times. Even if breathing in “uninfected air,” they last less than 24 hours. Most need to be replaced after just several hours of use depending on the environment and gas concentrations. Not only do filters have a shelf life, but they also don’t last as long while in use as you might imagine. How about prescription glasses? It’s important to make sure the mask in consideration accommodates spectacles.īelow is a Gas Mask which accepts a 40mm NATO NBC Filter: SEE THIS ITEM ON AMAZON here: Many older surplus masks have small goggle-type eye holes, which virtually eliminate all peripheral vision. It’s important to have an unobstructed view during times that warrant the use of a gas mask. positioning the filter opposite where a gun stock may interfere), but also allows the user to positively attach a replacement filter on the opposite port before removing an expired one.įield of view is a common frustration with many masks on the market. This not only offers more flexibility (i.e. I prefer a mask with filter connections on both sides versus just one side or just in the front. Be sure to discuss this with any supplier before ordering. While this may be sufficient for most biological threats, it’s also important that any mask and accompanying filter you purchase is certified to protect against nuclear and chemical threats as well. Some gas masks on the market are nothing more than glorified surgical masks. First, make sure the mask and filter is rated for chemical blowing and riot control agents, designated by the CBA/RCA rating, and nuclear, biological and chemical agents, carrying the NBC rating. Shocker, right? There are certain criteria you need to look for when buying a gas mask. Surplus gas masks do make great novelties for the man cave, however. And that doesn’t include a stock of $40-$50 replacement filters. A good current gas mask that’s up to spec is going to cost at least $125, and more for many models. The price of surplus gas masks is enticing, I’ll admit, but the risk is not worth the savings. Many of them also ship with filters that are also long expired. You’ll never find a guarantee of performance on these domestic or imported surplus masks. Many of the older surplus masks are famous for being incredibly difficult to deploy and also very ill-fitting even when strapped on correctly. They’re either outdated and have been replaced by more effective models or they are defective. To make an educated decision about whether or not to go on a gas-mask buying spree, you should first consider the following: Surplus does not necessarily mean ‘good deal’Īt one point or another, all of us have seen the military “surplus” gas masks advertised online, in catalogs or in Army/Navy retail stores. In this article I’ll do my best to clear up many of the questions and myths that surround one of the most iconic symbols of the survivalist movement – the gas mask.
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