Learn how to do a respirator seal check, folks
p.s. guys, if you don't want to shave, you can get a PAPR, but those pretty much start at $500. PAPR mask/helmets can also be easily removed by fasc if you aren't careful, exposing you to the hazard.
@cristin tl;dr: Get ones rated for BOTH OV *and* AG: for 3M - 6003 cart + P100 filter or 60923 combo unit; or rated MG (multigas) - 6006 + P100/60926 combo). For NATO 40 Mill masks - CS/CN/P100 or CRBN (which is overkill but but sometimes easier to find). If it's from a company that has it's own proprietary system, look for a NIOSH certified CBA-RCA cartridge with a P100 filter that filters "certain organic vapors" and acid gases.
Although you would probably be fine in more situations with just a regular OV cartridge (6001/60921 for 3M bayonets) IMHO (and what I do) definitely get cartridges that are rated for both OV and AG (or just MG) for 2 reasons:
1) We've already witnessed the deployment of at least 2 lesser utilized agents, DM and HC gas. We don't know what else they may use.
2) These are *chemical munitions* that are not being used according to code. They're using far more than regulation, and, more importantly, they're MIXING them. That's a big no-no! Current guides by regulatory agencies for respirators are tested and written for singular use. Not only that, those guides are based upon chemicals that have been properly stored, properly deployed, and aren't expired. I don't really trust these goons right now to follow proper procedures for chemicals when they can't even follow the Constitution. I'm sure "safety third!" is their byword if they even consider it all.
Add in different dispersal methodologies, e.g. solution or aerosols, slightly different compositions/brand name types, and even basic environmental factors - like UV light - within that open and quite stochastic system and whew: I could spend a day just doing the simplest organic chem calculations and come up with a variety of chemical reactions. (Frankly, the use of HC gas scares the hell out of me. Carbon-chlorine bonded compounds can be extremely toxic. And they bioaccumulate very fast. The most famous substance in that compound group? DDT.)
So best to protect yourself by going beyond the simple NIOSH sheets. Make sure you also use a P100 particulate filter, either in a combo unit or with an adaptor attachment. I like using the attachment with 3M masks because you can change the filter on the fly without taking your mask off very easily, which is useful with pepper spray.
You'll want more than one if you anticipate more than 30-40 hours out there. If you know people that can use the same ones, go in together to buy in bulk from 3M directly or a distributor like Uline to receive discounts. And keep 'em sealed until you have to use them!
****If you're in a location that gets quite heavy wildfire smoke - and next summer looks like it's going to be very very bad in the North American west - having some multi-gas rated carts on hand can also be very useful as wildfire smoke has all kinds of nasty toxins in it.
Although you would probably be fine in more situations with just a regular OV cartridge (6001/60921 for 3M bayonets) IMHO (and what I do) definitely get cartridges that are rated for both OV and AG (or just MG) for 2 reasons:
1) We've already witnessed the deployment of at least 2 lesser utilized agents, DM and HC gas. We don't know what else they may use.
2) These are *chemical munitions* that are not being used according to code. They're using far more than regulation, and, more importantly, they're MIXING them. That's a big no-no! Current guides by regulatory agencies for respirators are tested and written for singular use. Not only that, those guides are based upon chemicals that have been properly stored, properly deployed, and aren't expired. I don't really trust these goons right now to follow proper procedures for chemicals when they can't even follow the Constitution. I'm sure "safety third!" is their byword if they even consider it all.
Add in different dispersal methodologies, e.g. solution or aerosols, slightly different compositions/brand name types, and even basic environmental factors - like UV light - within that open and quite stochastic system and whew: I could spend a day just doing the simplest organic chem calculations and come up with a variety of chemical reactions. (Frankly, the use of HC gas scares the hell out of me. Carbon-chlorine bonded compounds can be extremely toxic. And they bioaccumulate very fast. The most famous substance in that compound group? DDT.)
So best to protect yourself by going beyond the simple NIOSH sheets. Make sure you also use a P100 particulate filter, either in a combo unit or with an adaptor attachment. I like using the attachment with 3M masks because you can change the filter on the fly without taking your mask off very easily, which is useful with pepper spray.
You'll want more than one if you anticipate more than 30-40 hours out there. If you know people that can use the same ones, go in together to buy in bulk from 3M directly or a distributor like Uline to receive discounts. And keep 'em sealed until you have to use them!
****If you're in a location that gets quite heavy wildfire smoke - and next summer looks like it's going to be very very bad in the North American west - having some multi-gas rated carts on hand can also be very useful as wildfire smoke has all kinds of nasty toxins in it.
@williwaw TY!
@cristin and any other ladies reading this: I forgot to add something very important - even limited exposure to some of these gases have caused miscarriages, fertility issues, and - important to most gals - reported problems/changes to menstrual cycles. The well documented general lack of research of how anything affects women + this documentation makes me extremely suspicious that some of the standards are for only a certain portion of the population, like, say, healthy young men in militaries, which is another reason I suggest the more powerful cartridges and particulate filter combo.
So hey any ladies out there, if you really want a good gas mask plus the filters but it's a little out of reach financially, drop me a line and I'll see what I can do. Just @ me on an old post if you'd like your privacy. :)
So hey any ladies out there, if you really want a good gas mask plus the filters but it's a little out of reach financially, drop me a line and I'll see what I can do. Just @ me on an old post if you'd like your privacy. :)
downside: the new filters are more expensive.
@williwaw, what cartridges do you recommend for what gases? I've seen conflicting information on whether standard organic vapor cartridges will help with the newer gases, or if acid gas carts are required? I may just say 'fuck it' and get cartridges that are good for both.