Gas mask thread

These are things that I know about gas masks. They work fairly well for biological, smoke and some irritants such as Tear gas and OC.

Military grade weapons you are in a different situation. Most of the gases and chemicals / nerve gases can be absorbed readily through the skin as well. The chem suits that you see worn in the Middle East military engagements are not made for survival as many people think. They are made to protect the wearer long enough to complete their mission.

The goal should be to keep that in mind with any system. It is hopefully long enough to allow you to escape to a shelter

 

I went through NBC training when I served.
If anyone used nerve agents against the general population we'd be skrooed no matter what.

Kind of a "bend over and kiss your butt good by" kinda deal.

 

Like BT, some have self contained breathing units. Found an old MSA at a yard sale for $25. That would last me long enough to get other masks out.
ETA: told my son last week that the best way to tell if there is nerve gas close by is to see your friends drop before you do. There is an anti dote but the general population does not have any. Saw where a soldier used it accidentally. The medics put two IVs in under pressure and he drank water like mad.

 

Here's something to keep an eye on @Quigley_Sharps . Probably not much different than a firefighter rig. It's probably too expensive right now, but maybe will come down before the collapse.


Wilcox: PATRIOT On-Target Sustainment System

 

Israeli masks are probably the cheapest and will work to give you clean air for a short while. Swapping filters is an art and needs to be rehearsed. Keeping Vaseline available is a nice addition to keeping burning down from CS exposure. During a siege one person submerged in the bath tub till the gas settled. CS is rough but manageable once the panic is over.

 

Would it not make sense to have an extra mask with fresh filters ready for a quick swap, and swap the filters out and replace them before the next swap?

 

Just keep in mind military systems are designed to protect from military threats not industrial threats. I would think if someone was to get a mask they would want military one and an industrial threat one. I know they make special mask systems on the industrial side that can accomidate people with tactical beards. I've seen a guy at work that has one. It is different from what the rest of us wear and has a blower. it is much more expensive. Check out the msa website.

 

Would swap filters rather than take that mask off. To do so would require re sealing and take more time. Unscrewing the old and screwing new on only takes a few moments. Just keep the outlets covered as much as possible.
The vaseline keeps lots of itching/burning down--don't forget your armpits/crotch/any place that sweats. Put it on prior to involvement. The "grease" traps the powdery particles away from the skin.

 

Interesting countermeasure. Any first hand experience ? How'd the decon shower go ?

I've used Sudecon wipes for O/C clean up and they're pretty good but it's been a long time since I went through the gas house a GLakes.

 

"Decon shower"---lol, we wore it off in the Alabama heat--blistered in places. Those office sitters really suffered with their sensitive skin. Vaseline is good stuff. If caught w/o mask you can still use it to line your nose, eyes, etc. Anywhere there is moisture it will burn/itch/irritate. A handkerchief is better than nothing to keep the particles out of sensitive aviola (lungs). On a positive note---it is a great way to clear your sinuses---completely....LOL.

 

Very good report Quigley. Most poisons are such that when you see symptoms it is too late to save you.

 

Thank you for the info., I have never owned or used one, except for painting and such.

 

This isn't really a "gas mask" per se, but, it may be an option for kids if there is a widespread outbreak/contagion.

Time for a better mask to protect children

Maybe @Quigley_Sharps might know someone interested in such a device.

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