Gas Masks: A primer

[izzyscout21]

When we think of chemical or biological attacks, the first things that usually spring to mind are gas masks.

Some people run to the local Army-Navy surplus store and buy a gas mask secure in the knowledge that they will be safe in the event of an attack.


This is a mistake.



Looking at the movies you get the impression that there's nothing more to gas masks than pulling it over your face and you're safe.



The reality, however, is altogether different.

When I watch shows about preppers or read blogs or other forums, everyone posts about their gas masks. MAny of the ones I see are antiquated pieces of foreign military surplus.

Again, this is a mistake.



Gas masks are complex pieces of equipment. To use them inappropriately is potentially more dangerous that the chemical they're supposed to protect you from.



In this post, I'll attempt to lay aside the myth of the gas mask and put you in a position to make a reasoned decision on whether you should buy/ use them or not.

[izzyscout21]

This is the six million dollar question.



Most experts would advise that stocking up on gas masks for the whole family is not worth it.



An appropriate gas mask will protect you from breathing in most chemical or biological agents, BUT there are some things to bear in mind before you run out to buy one:

1.)
A gas mask will be effective if you're wearing it before exposure to the agent or immediately upon exposure. If you're inexperienced in the use of gas masks, or if you take to long to find it, you may be putting your life more in danger than if you simply moved quickly to escape the cloud. Of course there's every chance that you will not know what kind of poison is in the air and may not have the appropriate filter in your mask. This may lead to a false sense of security.

In the case of a biological attack masks are of little use. In most cases a biological attack will go undetected for at least several days making the gas mask virtually redundant.

2.)
It's also worth bearing in mind that gas masks are quite expensive. You can expect to spend about $200 for an effective mask. Then you need to decide if (1 you're going to carry the mask with you everywhere you go which would be uncomfortable, impractical and probably not too popular an idea with the kids or (2 you're going to have one mask for home, one for work, one for the car, and so on which would be very expensive.



NOTE:

In the case of a biological attack, breathing through a doubled-up t-shirt will greatly increase your chances of survival in an emergency situation. Unfortunately, this method isn't effective against most chemical agents.

[izzyscout21]

There are a number of important points to bear in mind when buying a gas mask:
·
While there have been some advances lately in the production of gas masks for women, children and people with smaller faces, a lot of the masks on the market are designed with the adult male (military) face in mind.

Be sure to buy a mask that fits perfectly otherwise it will only give you a false sense of security (there's no point in a filter that keeps out bacteria at 0.3 microns if you've got 1mm of space between your face and the mask (which is why you have to be clean-shaven before putting on the mask). Of course, you would need to have a mask fitted individually for every member of your family.


· Make sure that your gas mask is certified against chemical and biological warfare agents. But, bear in mind that no matter how good the gas mask is, the filter will not protect you against everything. You may need to get different sets of filters with your mask to have the broadest protection possible. Be sure to discuss this issue thoroughly with potential suppliers before buying.


Don't buy your gas mask from surplus 'Army-Navy' type stores. The gas masks you'll find here have most likely been used in military exercises, may be out of date and very possibly contain flaws in the structure (small cracks or holes in the rubber). If you are buying a mask, buy one from a reputable manufacturer and buy it in person with every member of your family available for a fitting.

The best masks are those with HEPA (High Effeciency Particulate Air) filter (ideally coupled with chromium-free impregnated carbon, that filters both inorganic warfare agents like cyanide, chlorine and phosgene, as well as organic agents like VX, sarin, tabun, mustard gas and lewisite). Some gas masks can even protect you against acid gases and ammonia.

[izzyscout21]

· Gas mask filters have a limited life-span. Most of them have just a few hours of active use (depending on the amount of dangerous substance being filtered and the relative air humidity). At this point the filter needs to be changed. Never buy a second-hand mask as you will not know how much life the filter has left in it.

· You'll need precise instructions on using your gas mask. There's more to it than just pulling it over your face. Inappropriate use may be more dangerous than the substance you're trying to protect yourself against. Ideally you should get some training on the correct use of gas masks and both you and your family should practice using them regularly.

· You should be clean-shaven when putting on your gas mask. A beard (or even stubble) may enable the poisons to infiltrate the mask.

· If you've had no training in the use of gas masks, there's one important point to remember - take the plastic seal off the filter before putting the mask on. During Operation Desert Storm (1990) eight people lost their lives because they forgot to remove the seal (they thought they were being poisoned, when in fact it was the mask that was smothering them).

· Some gas mask filters have larger intake openings designed for people with lung/breathing problems.

Increasingly, gas masks are available in various sizes - even for children and babies. If you're buying gas masks for your family, then be sure that each one has a perfect fit. Some masks are equipped with drinking systems, and masks that enable easier speech (via 'voice-mitter') are also available.

· Don't buy masks via mail-order or over the Internet as you can't be sure that they'll fit properly. Always buy them in person from a professional who knows what he/she is talking about. Be sure to get a mask fitted for everyone in the family. To my knowledge, there are currently no gas masks available for pets...

· Bear in mind that, while gas masks are effective against most chemical and biological agents, they do not assure protection against everything. Be sure to get a gas mask that is certified to be effective against chemical and biological weapons agents.


· Generally, for biological agents to be effective, they need to be between 1 and 5 microns in diameter. For this reason, regular surgical masks, which are relatively cheap, would protect you against almost all biological threats. Protection against chemical agents, however, requires a gas mask.

· If you have a baby or a young infant who is reluctant to put on a gas mask during an attack, then don't waste time struggling. Strive instead, to get both yourself and the child to a safe place as quickly as possible. It's for this reason also, that it's vital that you practice proper gas mask usage with your family -- particularly young children.

[izzyscout21]

1.)

Grip the mask firmly. Don't be nervous as you begin the process, especially if you are in a situation where your commanding officers are about to send gas your way. Controlled environment or not, the gas will be real, and will have a real effect on your body

2.)

Lift your head. You're going to put the mask on chin first, so lift your head and be sure that the straps, fastened or not at this point, are clear so that you can put your face into the mask.

3.)

Place your chin into the mask first. If there is an indentation or cup-like area for your chin, place it securely there, making sure to have a snug fit. Push the mask to your face, from the chin upwards.

4.)

Push the mask tightly to your forehead, making sure that the sides of the mask are secure and snug against your face. Breathe in to measure the strength of the seal against the contours of your face.


5.)

Put straps around your head as required, and tighten them. Again, test the seal by breathing in, and make sure there is no air entering from the sides of the mask. You want to get a complete seal around all edges of your face in order to use the gas mask properly

[izzyscout21]

In conclusion, I would suggest that a gas mask, used properly, would be useful in the event of an attack (provided you know how to use it and you're aware of the attack in time to put it on). However, I would not feel compelled - despite current threats - to rush out and invest large amounts of money in them.

They are nice to have, and I would rather have and not need than need and not have.

Hope this has helped.

Izzy

[Stormfeather]

Good Info Izzy, reminds me to go and check my filters on all of my masks.

[IDTANDY]

Good post.

[Twitchy]

Thank you Izzy! Too many people gather a false sense of security when they buy some cheapo 30 year old Russian surplus masks and think they will be invincible if a NBC Situation occurs...

[Twitchy]

Something to consider as well, sometimes, in the case of some chemical weapons, a full body suit is required to prevent exposure as certain chemicals may be able to be absorbed into ones skin, causing acute exposure to the point of incapacitation or death.

[mitunnelrat]

Excellent thread, izzy! I have a mask, but only one, and I keep it in my car. My primary use for it is protection against a chlorine leak at work. Thanks for the reminder that I need to verify my filter type for that threat.

Otherwise I'm not too bad off. The system in place at work should give me time to reach and don it.

[bacpacker]

I have to use a respirator at work on occasion. It fits and seals very similar to the way Izzy described using a gas mask. One thing we were instructed in while using them was to place a plastic bag over the filter, then breathe in, the mask should suck in to your face if sealed correctly. While still holding the plastic over the filter, blow back out. This should force the mask away from your face breaking the seal. Just a good way for a quick test.
There are also some filters that are very effective for radioactive particles. A good mix would certianly be worth having.

[izzyscout21]

I'm currently working on a list of masks that I would actually recommend. I'll get it posted up asap.

[helomech]

Good stuff Izzy, it has been years since my NBC schools. I do have 2 masks I procured from somewhere, but don't consider them useful for real life. Maybe CS canister or something, but not a real attack.

[izzyscout21]

here's a few examples of what not to buy:

Gas Mask – Gas Masks : Homeland Security News (http://www.nationalterroralert.com/gasmasks/)

[rentprop1]

maybe I missed it but there are only also a few that will allow prescription inserts, other wise if you can't see without your glasses your effed ...lol

[izzyscout21]

yep. off the top of my head, the AVon FM-12, MSA masks, and the current US mil issue masks allow inserts

[realist]

Izzy good post.
There are a lot of people that think that a gas mask will protect them in a fire. Remember a gas mask is a filter and does not supply oxygen, so if you are in an oxygen depleted environment then you will be toast.

Mitunnelrat if you are preparing for a chlorine leak make sure that your filters are designed to filter chlorine. Also be aware that chlorine filter break down relatively fast so don't stay in the environment any longer than you have to.

They do make a rubber goggle type glasses to wear under gas masks. If you plan on wearing these you need to be fit tested to make sure they work. I have found that several times I could not get a good seal. The inserts are the best route to go.

If you do decide to buy a mask or masks make sure that you purchase several filters. Do not open the filters unless you need to or are going to use them for training. Keep the others in reserve. I would recommend that you purchase the ones for NBC over others unless you might be exposed to a specific chemical. Filters for CS or CN (tear gas) are not as good as the NBC filters. If you are buying buy the best. Bacpacker you can use your hand to check the seal on your mask.

Izzy I like the remove plug before donning. You will only do it once then you will never forget, it is a rude awakening for some. One other thing regarding filters most commercial masks will take a military filter but the supplier will tell you that it is illegal to do this. It is only illegal for an agency to do this not a private person. I always figured that when the bugs were flying around I didn't think that there would be anyone around to check my mask.

Gas environments, LNG and Propane will displace oxygen, see above regarding oxygen depleted environments.

Shooting in a gas mask sucks, so if you plan on it you need to practice. If you are going to consider this you might consider testing out how they fit while holding something up to simulate a rifle or handgun when purchasing a mask.

For those that have a bunch of money you might consider a PAPR which stands for powered air purifying respirator. This is a battery powered unit that will suck in the air through filters giving you a positive air flow and will not be so taxing to your body. Some of these have dual filters that will give you a prolonged working time.

I use both the Dragger and MSA masks, they work very well. I have used them in actual chemical environments. They are the only ones that I would put my family in. I'm sure there are others but since I have personal experience with them I don't want to trust another company's tests if I have not personally used them.

Now if you are depressed that you purchased a POS mask from Abdul don't fret they still make good Halloween costumes for the kids.....

[izzyscout21]

I run Avon FM-12's now. By far one of the best masks out there. I also like the offerings from MSA, but golly gee whiz, they are pricey.

I noticed today that Cheaper Than Dirt has the FM-12's................for a mere $299..................

[Grumpy Old Man]

Izzy, these are what I have gotten in the past for confined space use. We also tested for fit with a banana smoke IIRC.

CBRN Respirator Kit - Gas Masks - Respiratory - 1AAP9 : Grainger Industrial Supply (http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/NORTH-BY-HONEYWELL-Gas-Mask-Kit-1AAP9?Pid=search)

[Twitchy]

Izzy good post.
There are a lot of people that think that a gas mask will protect them in a fire. Remember a gas mask is a filter and does not supply oxygen, so if you are in an oxygen depleted environment then you will be toast.

Mitunnelrat if you are preparing for a chlorine leak make sure that your filters are designed to filter chlorine. Also be aware that chlorine filter break down relatively fast so don't stay in the environment any longer than you have to.

They do make a rubber goggle type glasses to wear under gas masks. If you plan on wearing these you need to be fit tested to make sure they work. I have found that several times I could not get a good seal. The inserts are the best route to go.

If you do decide to buy a mask or masks make sure that you purchase several filters. Do not open the filters unless you need to or are going to use them for training. Keep the others in reserve. I would recommend that you purchase the ones for NBC over others unless you might be exposed to a specific chemical. Filters for CS or CN (tear gas) are not as good as the NBC filters. If you are buying buy the best. Bacpacker you can use your hand to check the seal on your mask.

Izzy I like the remove plug before donning. You will only do it once then you will never forget, it is a rude awakening for some. One other thing regarding filters most commercial masks will take a military filter but the supplier will tell you that it is illegal to do this. It is only illegal for an agency to do this not a private person. I always figured that when the bugs were flying around I didn't think that there would be anyone around to check my mask.

Gas environments, LNG and Propane will displace oxygen, see above regarding oxygen depleted environments.

Shooting in a gas mask sucks, so if you plan on it you need to practice. If you are going to consider this you might consider testing out how they fit while holding something up to simulate a rifle or handgun when purchasing a mask.

For those that have a bunch of money you might consider a PAPR which stands for powered air purifying respirator. This is a battery powered unit that will suck in the air through filters giving you a positive air flow and will not be so taxing to your body. Some of these have dual filters that will give you a prolonged working time.

I use both the Dragger and MSA masks, they work very well. I have used them in actual chemical environments. They are the only ones that I would put my family in. I'm sure there are others but since I have personal experience with them I don't want to trust another company's tests if I have not personally used them.

Now if you are depressed that you purchased a POS mask from Abdul don't fret they still make good Halloween costumes for the kids.....


This also ties into needing chemical suits, as chlorine gas will also attack exposed skin and such... in fact, most chemicals you want to use a respirator for will...

[izzyscout21]

wanted to bump this back to the top.

Goes well with the BIo and Chemical threat thread

[realist]

I must have missed this when I was attending school. Hey Grumpy I would not recommend a gas mask for confined space. Remember if you have an oxygen deficient location a gas mask will not work. Make sure you have an SCBA and that is a whole different subject we can go into.

One thing I do recommend is those of you with old gas masks you do want to replace them. Try the old ones out and put them on and practice with them get to know what it is like to breath through a filter. Before you are done take the new one and practice with it until you are comfortable donning and doffing it. Remember your canisters will last so long as they are still sealed. We are required to inspect out masks every 30 days however I think that is a little much. I do highly recommend you go through your equipment every 6 months. I know there are a lot of masks that are just stuffed in bags. If they are folded over it can cause problems so store them correctly. One other thing is they make tear offs for the lens. These are plastic sheet which protect the the lens of the mask. I can't stand looking through scratched lens.

If you want to do something challenging try shooting through these things. It takes some practice but it can be done. The big problem is being able to see your sights. Red dot make this much better. I am not a big one for lasers but this may be where they come in handy.

[mitunnelrat]

As an FYI only, I just found a couple products that may be of some interest: an escape hood and a compact escape mask that looks like it can be carried on-person with relative ease... perhaps some of our better informed members can critique them, please?

http:// elmridgeprotection.com/?gclid=COSl4IPPi7wCFY07Mgodng4A1A