What to Look For in a Gas Mask for Sale
When you’re looking for gas mask for sale, you want to make sure that it will be capable of protecting against CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threats. That is why a good quality military or emergency type mask is best. There are many brands that manufacture these types of masks, and it’s important to research them before you make a purchase. Oftentimes, you will find better deals by buying from a company that specializes in workplace safety or from an official manufacturer.
It’s also important to consider whether you need a full-face mask or half-mask. The former is better suited to situations that involve airborne particles that are not a significant health risk, such as when working around drywall dust or smoke. The latter is much more suited for situations where there’s a high probability of a hazardous substance inhalation from chemicals, radiological radiation, or even viral contamination.
The most important consideration is the type of filter that will be included with your new mask. Different filters are rated to protect against specific contaminants, and there’s usually a color code that indicates the threat they’re designed to repel. In addition, the rubber material and thickness, the lens design and thickness, and the canister design all contribute to a mask’s effectiveness. Bromobutyl rubber, for example, is resistant to blister agents, which are common in chemical warfare.
If you’re not sure what to look for in a good gas mask, check out NIOSH’s fact sheet on respirators and their certified equipment list. They have a table that gives the top specifications for each type of mask, and this will help you decide what’s right for you.
Some of the most popular options are MSA, Honeywell / Sperian / North, and 3M. However, be careful when buying surplus gear, as it may not have been inspected or used properly. For this reason, it’s a good idea to stick with the most commonly used masks from established brands like these.
For those who are willing to spend a bit more on their preparations, the best choice is probably the Avon M50. This is the newer US military mask, and it’s been well reviewed by those who have used it in the field. It’s not cheap, though, ranging in the mid-$300s and up.
If you’re a family prepper and need a mask for the kids, it’s worth searching for the child-sized versions of the military M50 and other models. For example, Britain makes a version called the Scott GSR, and Russia has their small GP-5 or PDF-D size 1. gas mask for sale