What production year?

Surprised you're the only one who bothered to think/ask about that.

Those are Israeli civil defense surplus and the design has been in production since the late 70's. Not saying that these particular ones for sale are that old, but for such a low price, one should consider the possible age and previous storage conditions of a mask. An old/poorly stored mask is about as effective as sticking cotton balls up your nose. 

Anyone serious about buying a gas mask, should do it in person so they can check the condition of the face piece and valves.

Quote from: tonsofguns on October 18, 2011, 09:16:35 PM

What production year?

Those are Israeli civil defense surplus and the design has been in production since the late 70's. Not saying that these particular ones for sale are that old, but for such a low price, one should consider the possible age and previous storage conditions of a mask. An old/poorly stored mask is about as effective as sticking cotton balls up your nose. 

Exactly!!

There's probaby a good reason they're so cheap and I'm not willing to risk my families health to find out why!

I think someone here mentioned the website approvedgasmasks.com, and as far as I know they do the due diligence in checking the masks they sell for defects, cracked seals, rot, etc. I think you can get new production Israeli masks for about $60 each. They also only sell new production filters. Not trying to promote these guys but this is one place I know for sure checks.       

I think someone here mentioned the website approvedgasmasks.com, and as far as I know they do the due diligence in checking the masks they sell for defects, cracked seals, rot, etc. I think you can get new production Israeli masks for about $60 each. They also only sell new production filters. Not trying to promote these guys but this is one place I know for sure checks.     

Places like AGM and armygasmasks sell "NEW" masks that are 6-8 years old and only do visual inspections. Both companies are 3rd party distrubutors that don't provide a warranty or accept returns. Personally, I wouldn't buy anything from a company that refuses to back-up their products.

Spend a little more and order one that's "factory fresh" from Grainger.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/reusable-respirators/respiratory/safety/ecatalog/N-b4aZ1z0o4tv?contextPath=Grainger&xi=xi

Solid advice

If youre budget conscious, its better than no mask at all...

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MIL1200-1.html

How much better than 'no mask' and worse than a good mask is it?

I can stop by Cheaper than Dirt this weekend and give it a eval, the website says they are in used, like new condition.  If it will hold a seal and you run a fresh filter, itll be as good as anything else.

I have the Australian issue Avon FM12 with anti-flash lenses. Bought it cause I collect gas masks on the side, was a neat Halloween mask and it's still a damn good gas mask if I ever need it.

Also, locally you can just check out Grainger or anyone of the companies that provide Asbestos/Hazwaste PPE though I am not certain if they have the drink tube adapter like the military masks.  Also, they suck to run in and do anything physical, unless you like claustrophobia.

I don't think I saw this mentioned, but you need to think about the filter canisters as well....what do you want to "filter?" There are masks for pesticides, organic fumes, and other specific industrial uses. Generally, first responders use a CBRNE rated mask that protects against the most likely agents to be used. Note that the CBRNE masks DO NOT protect against clorine gas.

I don't think I saw this mentioned, but you need to think about the filter canisters as well....what do you want to "filter?" There are masks for pesticides, organic fumes, and other specific industrial uses. Generally, first responders use a CBRNE rated mask that protects against the most likely agents to be used. Note that the CBRNE masks DO NOT protect against clorine gas.

Gonna need a SCBA for chlorine.  Now we're talking big money...

Although they are commonly called "gas masks" they are technically called a chemical protective mask or air purifying respirator. You can get them from a variety of sources, including surplus dealers. Many of the common online "stores" carry them.

http://www.uscav.com/gs/search.aspx?Search=mask&TabID=1&os=1&CatID=5230

http://www.emergencymasks.com/

http://www.approvedgasmasks.com/mask-gas.htm

The better masks are made by 3M and MSA, but there are several others.

The main concern is that the masks fit well...for work-related needs, individuals need to be "fit-tested" to ensure there are no leaks around the seals. The fit-testing involves the use of an agent that is introduced into a closed system (a hood or room) and the testee is required to perform a number of activities that are supposed to simulate expected activities  you'd perform while wearing the mask. These include jogging in place, moving your head in two axises, speaking, etc.

Depending on medical conditions, you may need a pulmonary function test before the fit-testing, as the use of the mask does increase the effort required to breathe.

where could a civilian go to get properlly fit tested?

Quote from: HiCarry on October 15, 2011, 02:14:51 PM

Although they are commonly called "gas masks" they are technically called a chemical protective mask or air purifying respirator. You can get them from a variety of sources, including surplus dealers. Many of the common online "stores" carry them.

http://www.uscav.com/gs/search.aspx?Search=mask&TabID=1&os=1&CatID=5230

http://www.emergencymasks.com/

http://www.approvedgasmasks.com/mask-gas.htm

The better masks are made by 3M and MSA, but there are several others.

The main concern is that the masks fit well...for work-related needs, individuals need to be "fit-tested" to ensure there are no leaks around the seals. The fit-testing involves the use of an agent that is introduced into a closed system (a hood or room) and the testee is required to perform a number of activities that are supposed to simulate expected activities  you'd perform while wearing the mask. These include jogging in place, moving your head in two axises, speaking, etc.

Depending on medical conditions, you may need a pulmonary function test before the fit-testing, as the use of the mask does increase the effort required to breathe.

where could a civilian go to get properlly fit tested?

Go up to any smoker and tell him to blow in your face.  If you can smell the smoke, then it doesn't fit right.

If you can get into a HazMat class you'll learn all that stuff. I teach respirator fit and use and HazCom for my union.  I've been trying to get them to send me to the mainland to become a certified HazMat instructor.  I also can teach and certify disaster relief workers.  One of the perks of being in a trade union. Its really not that hard. Safety Systems on Waikamilo or even Gaspro should be able to help you out provided you buy it from them of course. I had to learn all that when I got HazWOPR trained and now have to re-up every year.  I learned lots of crazy stuff!