An entirely different 'multi/CBRN' filter class with an olive color is used in the US. A2B2E2K2-P3 is the highest rating of filter available. Examples include ABEK, ABEK-P3, and ABEK-HgP3. Ī filter type that can protect against multiple hazards is notated with the European symbols concatenated with each other. In the US, only the particle part is further classified by NIOSH air filtration ratings. For particles (P), three levels are always given with the number.

For non-particle hazards, the level '1' is assumed and a number '2' is used to indicate a better level. In Europe and jurisdictions with similar rules such as Russia and Australia, filter types are given suffix numbers to indicate their capacity.

Particle filters are often included, because in many cases the hazardous materials are in the form of mist, which can be captured by the particle filter before entering the chemical adsorber. Inorganic gases ( hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide)Īcidic gases ( Sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride) Each filter type protects against a particular hazard and is color-coded: The filter is selected according to the toxic compound. See also: Cartridge (respirator) § Classification and marking of cartridges While this method can be effective at trapping particulates produced by combustion, it does not filter out harmful gases which may be toxic or which displace the oxygen required for survival. This effect can be very simple and highly effective, for example using a damp cloth to cover the mouth and nose while escaping a fire. Examples of substrates include activated carbon, and zeolites. For example, if the target particles are positively charged, a negatively charged substrate may be used. Although some form of reaction may take place, it is not necessary the method may work by attractive charges. This can be used to remove both particulate and gaseous hazards. Some masks have one or two compact air filter containers screwed onto inlets, while others have a large air filtration container connected to the gas mask via a hose that is sometimes confused with an air-supplied respirator in which an alternate supply of fresh air (oxygen tanks) is delivered.Ībsorption is the process of being drawn into a (usually larger) body or substrate, and adsorption is the process of deposition upon a surface. Later, stronger polycarbonate came into use. Panoramic lenses were not popular until the 1930s, but there are some examples of those being used even during the war (Austro-Hungarian 15M).

The later Triplex lens style (a cellulose acetate lens sandwiched between glass ones) became more popular, and alongside plain cellulose acetate they became the standard into the 1930s. Glass and mica were quite brittle and needed frequent replacement. The first gas masks mostly used circular lenses made of glass, mica or cellulose acetate to allow vision.

Many filters provide protection from both types. Filters against specific chemical agents can last up to 20 hours.Īirborne toxic materials may be gaseous (for example, chlorine or mustard gas), or particulates (such as biological agents). Most combined gas mask filters will last around 8 hours in a biological or chemical situation. The gas mask only protects the user from digesting, inhaling, and contact through the eyes (many agents affect through eye contact). Most gas masks are also respirators, though the word gas mask is often used to refer to military equipment (such as a field protective mask), the scope used in this article. The mask forms a sealed cover over the nose and mouth, but may also cover the eyes and other vulnerable soft tissues of the face. A Polish MUA gas mask, used in the 1970s and 1980sĪ gas mask is a mask used to protect the wearer from inhaling airborne pollutants and toxic gases.

Army gas mask