![]() ![]() However, that is not the only thing it won’t protect you from. (There are a few special filters that will generate oxygen for a limited time.) What don’t gas masks protect you from?Īs we said before, a mask will not allow you to breathe in an atmosphere that doesn’t contain oxygen. Still, it adds an extra layer of protection you otherwise wouldn’t have. You must understand that a mask doesn’t make you impervious to chemical, nuclear or biological attacks. They can also protect you from a biological attack or even some pandemic! It may not be a likely scenario, but they can protect you in the event of a chemical attack. In my mind, these are the most likely uses for a mask, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other logical reasons to own a gas mask.Ĭhemical weapons are one of the main reasons that gas masks exist. Most preppers will want a gas mask to protect from either riot control agents used by the police and military or from alpha and beta following a nuclear attack or dirty bomb. It does not provide oxygen and will not protect you from environments that do not contain oxygen. This means very small pieces of solid material floating in the air are filtered out, and an activated charcoal layer absorbs chemicals. If this doesn’t work, your mask is compromised or doesn’t fit your face properly.Ī gas mask protects you from particulates and some chemical vapors in the air. Make sure you don’t have any hair between your face or forehead and the mask, and try to tighten the head harness. If you hear air leaking into the mask, the seal is the most likely problem. You should not have any air leaking from the seal around your face or any seam on the mask. ![]() If they stick while the mask is on your face, it can make it so you cannot breathe.Īfter you’re sure everything is working properly and in good shape, put the mask on and cover the inlet on the filter with your hand. Any valves that are stuck or sticky should be replaced. Take special attention when you’re inspecting the valves. These can dry rot, deteriorate, and even be incorrectly installed. Most gas masks have several one-way valves. If it doesn’t, replace the head harness or replace the mask.Ĭheck every valve the mask has and things like drinking straws and voicemitters. It should allow you to easily and securely attach the gas mask to your face. If the facepiece is cloudy, then it’s up to you to decide if it obstructs your vision enough to replace it.Ĭheck your head harness. If there are cracks or gaps in the seam, replace the mask. Check the seams to ensure they are securely attached, and look through them to ensure that they aren’t cloudy and you can see clearly through them. Inspect whatever type of facepiece or eye covers your mask has. Gently pull at these areas to make sure they are solidly connected and not going to come apart. Areas where rubber and metal or rubber and plastic meet are common points of failure. Next, inspect any areas where the rubber meets other types of material. If there are cracks or dry rot, you need to get a new gas mask. To inspect your gas mask, start by looking at the rubber itself. This is especially true for military surplus masks. Don’t just assume that surplus gas masks are made well or of good quality because other militaries use them.Īny gas mask should be inspected as soon as you receive it and annually when it’s in storage. Military surplus gas masks can be hit-and-miss. Even gas masks specifically produced for the public are of high quality and accessible to almost everyone. Quality gas masks are relatively inexpensive these days. You may want to prioritize the purchase of a mask if you live in a major city that is likely to face police using riot control agents. Just know that buying gas masks doesn’t need to be a priority for most people. Of course, if you’re not on a budget and feel like picking up a gas mask now, by all means, go for it. If you have all the water and food, you think you’ll need, a defensive firearm and ammo, and have added even more water and food, then you’re probably at the point when you should buy masks for your family.Ĭheaper surplus masks are great if you’re on a budget. I think you need to get a gas mask if you’re a serious prepper, but only after you have all of your other essentials covered. It’s a good question that isn’t necessarily cut and dry. Many people often wonder if they even need a gas mask. These are all possible reasons that the everyday person may need access to a gas mask. Gas masks protect against riot control agents from police, the fallout from nuclear attacks, biological warfare agents, toxic smoke from terrorist attacks, and other chemicals. How often do I need to change my gas mask filter?.What type of gas mask filter do you need?. ![]()
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