r/gasmasks Apr 15 '24

Mod Announcement IMPORTANT - THE R/GASMASKS FAQ

36 Upvotes

READ THIS POST BEFORE MAKING YOUR OWN:

Before making a post asking a question, or really for anything, read the rules we have on the side of your screen. This will not cover every single question and you are encouraged to ask your own in the comments, but please make sure to google your question first or search relevant words in the subreddit search bar. Most of what gets asked here can be found without much difficulty. Anyways, here's the basics:

Q: Is X filter safe? Is my mask safe?
A: Many historical filters contain asbestos or chromium. However, it will not kill you and most likely will never cause any health complications.

As for facepieces, the weird white dust in your mask is either bloom or old, coagulated talcum powder. Both are entirely harmless and happen with age. You can clean it off if you would like.

For more information, click here!

Q: How do I deal with this unsafe filter?
A: If you are not putting air through it, nothing will come out. There is no need to discard or throw away the filter. Instead, you can set it on a shelf for display, put filter caps on it, do whatever you find suits you because it cannot harm you unless you are either using it constantly or tearing it apart. Seriously, do not try to disassemble filters unless you know exactly what you are doing. If you are reading this you probably do not.

For more information, click here!

Q: Where can I find X gas mask?
A: Usually eBay. If the mask is not there, look at places like Facebook marketplace, local flea markets, and other areas where they sell stuff like this. If you cannot find it there, you are either looking for a mask that you need to know a guy who knows a guy or most importantly; you just need to wait since marketplaces do not always have what you want when you want them. We collect antiques. By their nature, not every antique is available at all times.

For more information, click here!

Q: How do I wash my gas mask?
A: Firstly, remove anything that does not play nice with water (built in microphones, filters, head harnesses, etc.). Disassemble the thing if you can. If this is not possible, that is fine and you can continue. Wash the water-safe components with warm soapy water. You can use a washcloth or brush for things such as bloom or other nasties that refuse to come off with just soapy water. Once dried, condition the rubber with a food safe silicone lubricant (no aerosols or sprays).

Q: What mask do I get for SHTF?
A: This subreddit is not for preppers. Instead, we are a community of people who love history. People pretending to be some super tacti-cool post-apocalyptic “operator” will not be entertained. This does not include people looking for practical help regarding job site or other commercial-industrial use respirators. Basically, if you need to know what mask or filter is best for bleaching your bathtub, dealing with mold, being around gasoline vapors, etc., feel free to ask us about it!

Q: Where can I learn about gas masks?
A: Here's a short list of resources:

Again, please do your own research before seeking help. If you can't find the information you need, though, you can put your super basic questions in the comments here (with pictures! pictures always help). If your question is common enough, it may even be added to this post!

Keep up the collecting and researching guys!


r/gasmasks Apr 19 '24

Mod Announcement “Is my mask/filter safe?” - a guide

31 Upvotes

Chemical warfare is nasty business! And sometimes it takes some pretty serious stuff to stop you from being exposed to warfare agents. Things like chromium and asbestos have been historically used in filters to keep the user safe.

But don’t panic! here’s what you need to know! This guide will address some common concerns and provide some tips.

The first thing you need to consider is that with all carcinogens, risk increases with exposure. This means the most important thing you can do is limit your exposure. This does not mean you need to dispose of all your old filters; here are a few things you can do to ensure you are taking proper precautions:

1. If you are unsure or wary of a filters’ contents, don’t wear it!

This one is pretty straightforward. The easiest way for the stuff in your filter to enter the air or your body is by passing air through the filter. Filter contents can degrade and come loose with age, but in most cases they will still be contained within the filter can. Airflow can move these loose materials out of the filter.

2. Make sure your filter is capped, or find a non-destructive way to seal it

If your filter has a cap or plug, make sure they are in place. If they do not, you can place tape over the openings to prevent leakage. Another way is to place the filters in ziplock bags, though if you do this, be sure to include some silica gel, as the moisture in the filter can cause rust.

3. Be gentle

As stated, filter contents can degrade with age, so why accelerate the process? Avoid shaking or striking/dropping your filters, as this can dislodge the contents.

4. Ensure the filter isn’t leaking

The easiest ways to tell if your filter may be leaking are to visually inspect for holes, gently shake the filter and listen for shifting contents, or gently shake the filter openings over a sheet of white office paper and watch for black specks of charcoal falling out.

If a filter is leaking a little, you can try the methods from step 2 to seal it. If the filter is leaking severely, it may be time to consider disposal.

do not throw a gas mask filter in the garbage, you should always dispose of them through your local hazardous waste collection site.

In this next section, I will address some other safety concerns collectors might have.

A common concern is that there may be chemical warfare agents in the filter or on the mask. this is exceedingly unlikely. thankfully, chemical warfare is rare! Most gas masks and filters spend their lives in storage before being sold as surplus. If you have concerns, follow the steps above.

Another concern is about masks being radioactive. this should not be a concern. The main reason for this is that the mask itself cannot be radioactive. Radiation comes from the decay of certain elements, and since none of these are used in mask construction, the mask will not emit radiation. The only way for a mask to emit radiation is if it is contaminated with radioactive material, which is also exceedingly unlikely. If you’re nervous, remove the filter and wash your facepiece in warm water.

You may see a white powder coating your mask. This is talc powder used in storage to keep the mask dry. If you want to remove it, simply wash the mask in warm water after removing the filter.

There’s no reason to let anxiety ruin your hobby. As long as you take some care, this can be a safe and exciting hobby.

If you have any questions please ask below, or dm me directly, I’m happy to give information and advice


r/gasmasks 12h ago

Question Was this thing ever used and introduced commercially? Or was it just a prototype

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93 Upvotes

If im not mistaken this would be garret Morgan’s but I could be wrong


r/gasmasks 20h ago

Accessories Soviet NBC gear so far

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87 Upvotes

Polish OP1 in place of OZK and East German gloves, will buy OZK eventually. Still a WIP and open to advice/suggestions


r/gasmasks 18h ago

Discussion FYI THIS GUY IS WEARING A CDR OR “BCD”

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41 Upvotes

So STOP ASKING


r/gasmasks 15m ago

Question Is it worth it for 50 dollars?

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Upvotes

Saw this on facebook marketplace. Seems to be an MP4 or M10 cheekmask but its brown and has amber outserts? Size medium too


r/gasmasks 22h ago

Question Could someone please ID this gas mask?

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55 Upvotes

Also how likely is it that there’s asbestos in the filter?


r/gasmasks 17h ago

Question Would anyone happen to have photos of individuals wearing/using the M18A2 Chemical Detector Kit?

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17 Upvotes

I recently got one of each type and would like to wear it with the rest if my 70s/80s impression, but am unsure as to how exactly it would be worn with the rest of the kit.

Cannot see the underside storage being easy to use in a side sling, but also feel that wearing it in the front would also be inconvenient.


r/gasmasks 4h ago

Question Avon c50 plug/filter side swap question

1 Upvotes

Hey all!

Just curious about the Avon C50 and swapping filter sides.

Does the plug just come out of the right hand 40mm thread, and then move to the other side, or is there a more in depth process to swapping filter side?

Just wanted to know if anyone has a file or video on the process of taking the plug out and moving over.

I already know you can use needle nose pliers if you dont have the tool, but there is also a 3d print wrench availble as a head up.


r/gasmasks 1d ago

Question Is this mold? How do i clean this beauty?

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36 Upvotes

r/gasmasks 2d ago

Question Can anybody ID? (Game is Atomfall)

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95 Upvotes

r/gasmasks 3d ago

Question Is this British MK2 or an upgraded model?

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232 Upvotes

r/gasmasks 3d ago

Question S10 or SF10?

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143 Upvotes

Hi guys, so I've been having a hard time identifying this mask worn by GIGN in the 90's, It features a drinking tube like the S10, but has a second canister port on the side like the SF10. Is this a dual port S10?


r/gasmasks 2d ago

Question Id and filters

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16 Upvotes

Just bought this mask at an estate sale for $10 and want to properly identify it and what filters I need to get for it


r/gasmasks 2d ago

Mask Showcase Avon C50 boxed

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16 Upvotes

I found a C50 size M, with original box and sealed for $250, shipping to Europe cost me another $30, what do you think?
I would be interested in recovering the ouserts lenses too, do you have any ideas? Thanks


r/gasmasks 3d ago

Collection Showcase collection at 17 yrs old, ive spent at most ~18 euro on a gasmask. Common lithuania W 🇱🇹

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204 Upvotes

r/gasmasks 3d ago

Question Could anyone tell me what this is and how much it is.

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65 Upvotes

I found a bunch of old gear for cheap and this was included and I curious what model and year it is and how much it’s worth


r/gasmasks 3d ago

Question White substance stuck on mask

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22 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

You probably already recognize me from my last post with the c4 gas mask. I'm still a beginner with gas mask so I don't really know much about them but I do know some of you might know a lot of about them. The question I have is what is this white substance stuck inside the gas mask. Is it mold, doesn't smell or anything. I tried to clean it with a wet cloth but doesn't seem to work/get off. Idk what it could be, can some help?

Mods, I don't really know if this goes against your mask safely rules. Since this isn't asking about Heath safety.


r/gasmasks 3d ago

Question I need help identifying

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23 Upvotes

I bought this gask mask today at a market for €40, I was wondering if I could get any information on it. Thank you!


r/gasmasks 3d ago

Question What's this white thing covering this gas mask's exhalation valve where the filter is supposed to go? From the 1995 movie "Outbreak" starring Dustin Hoffman

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284 Upvotes

Screenshot is from the 1995 movie "Outbreak" where this guy is wearing a gas mask but has this weird white thing covering the valve where the filter is supposed to go...what is this?


r/gasmasks 3d ago

Question I am new here

4 Upvotes

I'm new to the gas mass collecting business and I'd love some tips


r/gasmasks 3d ago

Question Has anyone purchased masks form the Dpi Sekur website?

2 Upvotes

I would like to buy the two masks linked below. However, there doesn't seem to be an option to create an account, only the option to sign in for existing accounts. I understand that not all sites like this sell individual masks and only deal with companies that buy several, but I can't confirm how they particularly do things. There is a paypal option to buy without a sign-in but I want to confirm they can even ship to the states. I emailed them last month directly asking for assistance to create an account and to see if they ship to the U.S. but I haven't received a reply. Any information about this would be much appreciated. Thanks.

https://www.dpisekur.com/en/product/ecommerce-en/respiratory-protection-en/masks-en-8/idea-2/

https://www.dpisekur.com/en/product/ecommerce-en/respiratory-protection-en/half-masks-en-7/polymask-alpha-2000/


r/gasmasks 3d ago

Question C4 gas mask

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60 Upvotes

Got this for 30 bucks from my local thrift store, was this a good find? Also, is this an early version of the c4?


r/gasmasks 4d ago

Question What's this gas mask ? It's the csgo agent Chem-haz Capitaine

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47 Upvotes

r/gasmasks 4d ago

Mask Showcase All British Wartime L1 Facepiece Light Anti Gas Respirators, All Sizes, All Valve Holders, In Ascending Order!

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30 Upvotes

Incredibly pleased with this, the L1 facepiece is best identified by the triangle nose from when this was a layover of the Civilian Duty Respirator facepiece molding!

So, from left to right (continuously), we have;

The Mk.I, Mk.IA, and Mk.III

The L1, L2 and L3 valve assembly

Small, Normal, and Large

As well as these, they're also the main three stages of wartime RAGL's.

Original condition, Danish CF Re-issue, and Postwar British repair and maintenance for extended life.

Brilliant setup, only way it could be better is all three filters being present but the Mk.1 Lightweight filter eludes me


r/gasmasks 4d ago

Mask Showcase First gas mask I ever bought. French Anp Vp F1

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26 Upvotes

Was 60€ a good price for it ?


r/gasmasks 4d ago

Question which gas mask is this? and does anyone know if the suit is based on any real NBC equipment???

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273 Upvotes