40mm Nato Gas Mask Filters.

[gotime242]

Hello all,

I have been looking around online for a bit on trying to get an answer regarding the life of a sealed 40mm nato filter. I have seen some comments that say they could actually be harmful if used and out of date, and other comments suggesting they are good for decades.

Whats the real truth behind them? I have one that came with my Israel m15 mask, but i believe its from 1983, and dont know if i should be concerned to breath with it on.

Thanks!

 

[ilbob]

There is not a whole lot of difference between commercial gas mask filters and military gas mask filters. They both have the potential to become unusable if not sealed up.

Most times sealed filter life is stated to be 3 to 10 years. My guess is that in reality if it is really sealed, the life of an unused filter may be measured in decades. But there is no good way to tell if it is still good. The only thing that can be stated is that if it is unsealed it is at least partially used up.

I am not sure just why, but people think military gas masks are somehow "better" than commercial ones and will buy old junk the military no longer wants because it never worked all that well to begin with.

If you feel the need, buy a nice new commercial unit and a couple filters that you know are still sealed. At least that way you know if you ever do need it they will be there.

And if you never had any training on them, you need to get it. They are not hard to learn to use but its not always real obvious. And if you have facial hair, they won't seal to your face, so get out the razor. I took the class about 15 years ago and have long forgotten how to use them.

 

[gotime242]

Thank you for the information.

I honestly have no intention of ever using a gas mask for a real situation, and if i ever did i certainly wouldnt really want an old military surplus as you said. But in my last order from cheaperthandirt i threw in a 15 dollar m15 just for fun.

My concern though it that it might actually be dangerous to breath in the content of a probably-expired filter.

 

[R127]

Put the mask on in time and get a good seal. Really, how hard is that? I hear the the "expert training" argument all the time. I'd love to hear a detailed explanation of what exactly those elite skills are. I had training on a gas mask. It did not amount to much more than "put it on fast and get a good seal" with a lot of repetition on that theme. It worked out fine. I have a feeling much of this weird pseudo-taboo is spurred by lawyers, or at least the fear of them. Anyway the primary application for a protective mask I see is so you don't have to suck gas in case a riot breaks out in your area and the authorities use tear gas to break it up. If fumes from potential fires are a problem or if you live near an area where potentially hazardous chemicals are stored or transported it's not a bad idea either. Many cities use chlorine at the water treatment plants. They say banana oil is a good substance to use to test if your mask is working or not, put it on and get a good seal before opening your bottle. Never tried it myself and don't know where to find banana oil but it may be of interest to somebody.

 

[UKarmourer]

the official shelf life for a sealed respirator cannister is 10 years,
in use in a CBRN environment they get changed after 24hrs or getting wet/ damaged.

the cannister on mine has been on for about 3 yrs, done several trips to the gas chamber for mandatory testing, and wear it sometimes when out on exercise.

also funny to take the cannister off, put your mouth against the screw fitting and blow hard, preferably towards a buddy- very amusing when they get a face full of CS.

(Just to point out- this activity was between consenting adults with a slightly warped outlook on life)

 

[kiawahman]

http://www.nationalterroralert.com/gasmasks/

http://www.galttech.com/research/buying-online/best-gas-masks.php

 

[Jeff White]

Gas mask filters are not firearm accessories....