Emergencies and Gas Masks: Making the Best Choice

Introduction

Back in late 2019, we started getting a common question: what gas mask should I get? It wouldn’t take a lot of imagination to know that the questions were for a looming specter just peeking over the horizon in the East: Covid19 bombed in on us a few months later, and I think we all learned some very valuable lessons on the topic. Now, about four years down the road, I’m recently off a contract in which nuclear security was involved and it hit another dimension of protective masks hard – how to avoid getting cooked from the inside out if a criticality occurred and you didn’t disappear in the initial reaction. After shaving and getting fitted for masks on the tail end of a crash course for rad-workers, a question on social media got us talking about the fact that our previous article hit the right topics with the wrong tone. So, it’s time to polish the topic up and take a look with fresh eyes… especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the conflicts between Gaza and Lebanon and Israel, and the general disquiet around the globe.

As well, I want to talk about this because I’ve spent a significant amount of time in protective masks – my job required that we qualify both on our technical tasks as well as qualify on our weapons while in masks. I’ve used respirators on assignment while working contracts in disasters, masks while exploring post-disaster environments and while training, and I’ve completed radiation worker mask training for those involved with nuclear facilities. I hope to bring a practical, well-rounded look at the options that gives you a useful guide for making your own decision

So, what are the reasons we might need a gas mask or respirator, and which ones should we choose?

The important sidelines

Before we go too far on the topic, there are a few things that need to be said:

• Your hygiene around your mask is almost as important as wearing it.
• A proper fitting and sealing mask is the only kind that works
• Matching canister to threat is imperative

We will discuss this further later, but for now, keep that in mind because regardless what mask you choose, those will be important. While the advice varies slightly depending on the threat faced, it should be universally recognized that the things we want to keep out of our lungs will still get onto our clothes, whether they’re alpha emitters or CS residue. For this reason, we have to ensure that the mask fits and seals as a part of donning it, and that when we remove it, we’re careful not to stir up particulates that could be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed into cuts or wounds. We need to have a plan for the clothes and equipment that were exposed as well.

This requires some practice and protocol that go beyond simply buying the mask, but for now, just be aware that this is also very important.

Masks vs Respirators?

This is the most significant “loaded” question in the discussion, and here’s why: They both excel at different things. If you’re looking to work in the shop, or have to help sift through the wreckage of a massive flood or hurricane, you don’t need to concern yourself with a $100 canister and $500 mask that are capable of choke-holding Sarin gas. You just need something to pre-filter some otherwise clean oxygen before it hits your nose, and this is where the respirator shines. They tend to be more comfortable, less capable, and cooler (temperature wise) than their full-faced cousins. The only thing that stops them from being a shoe-in for the light work is that pesky “buy once, cry once” philosophy. If you get a mask that’s over-matched, you can always buy particulate filters and just wear the more capable mask. You’ll just look a little… well, over-ready.

Another consideration is if you wear glasses or contacts, it’s important to ensure you’ve got a mask that won’t cause you problems.

So keep in mind that choosing the right tool for the task is, as always, important, but let’s add a couple points to our running list above:

• The mask/respirator should have replaceable filters
• The filters used should be rated for N95 or above

It may be that in the course of living a normal life, you’ve got a respirator lying around from painting, wood shop, metal work, or similar. If so, be aware that it might be sufficient for dealing with natural disasters or grimy environments, it will not likely provide the protection needed to deal with the man-made end of things… Not only are the filters typically under-powered for CBRNE, but the lack of protection for the rest of the face can be a significant issue.

Gas Masks

While respirators are perfectly fine for a significant portion of emergencies and exploring, the article here will really be about gas masks. Any selection needs to be based with a firm understanding of what you need it to do. For example, mask with a filter directly under the nose can be very uncomfortable to use if you’ve got to shoulder a rifle, but often have full windows with allow for excellent visibility. Masks without voice emitters might be fine if you’re on your own, but in chaotic environments the combination of noise, garbled speech, and labored breathing can make communication a nightmare. So, our first step is to ask what you want it to be able to do for you.

Gas makes generally have a broad variety of compatible canisters, ranging from particular filters, to those used for CS gas, or the “purple” or “all threat” filters. In the west, our masks are generally standardized on a 40mm threaded canister, so if you buy a mask, it’s a good idea to ensure it will accept the common canisters.

The key takeaways for those new to protective masks are:

• Masks are a tool – they require knowledge, training, and upkeep, just like all other tools.
• Masks will not eliminate risk – they’ll help you mitigate it when used correctly.
• Not all masks are good for all CBRNE threats. Assess your risks reasonably and realize the ‘best’ solution might be the most simple.
• Don’t ignore the secondary and tertiary effects of the fears pandemics create – be ready for a Type II emergency.
• Consider the uses you have for a mask/respirator. If you have one you use normally, it might be wise to upgrade to one that can be used for organic threats as well as occupational particulates.

Fighting while Masked

Wearing a mask in and around conflict presents a few major concerns. First and foremost, some masks will prevent you from getting a good cheek-weld with a rifle. This can be an awkward lesson to learn ‘in the moment’, so make sure you practice and train with the mask you select a few times per year.

In closer range, masks can be torn off your face. This might not be a huge deal (riots with CS) or it could be a death sentence (hostile takeover of an airfield after a gas attack), but in general we should consider that allowing the mask to be dislodged in conflict is to be avoided at all costs.

A final consideration is that the mask can be damaged during conflict. Whether from shrapnel, blast, or perforations from projectiles, it’s important to consider that your awareness will take a hit while wearing the mask, and you’ll need to be more aware of your cover and concealment.

This is a complex topic that requires some training and practice, but for now, just be aware that it’s a component of making sure you’re prepared for the worst case during the worst case.

Use and Storage

Storing your mask

Storing your mask shouldn’t be belabored too much – there are a few really basic things to keep in mind, but to begin with, there’s storage for storage, and storage for use. For storage, keep your mask in a cool, dry place, away from solvents or desiccants, and away from sharp objects. The goal is to not flex or stretch the mask material, not to allow it to become dry and brittle, and to keep it from being cut or pierced. Masks can be stored in this way for a very long time, and storing it with a filter disconnected (and preferably in it’s sealed container until it’s ready to be used) is the way to go.

Donning

If you anticipate a need for your mask, storing it takes on a different context. Sometimes you don’t have a good option, but if possible, carry your mask in the provided back. More often than not, the bag is designed to be worn, and can be secured on body. this keeps the mask stored safely, and out of harmful UV radiation. The straps should be kept as loose as possible, and the mesh that fastens the mask to the head can be flipped over the front of the mask so that donning is instant.

A video giving a very basic example of the process when in a small team can be seen here:

Filter life

Another major consideration that doesn’t get mentioned often is the functional life of the filtering media. I’ve been given “16 hours” as the lifespan of the Purple CBRNE filters, but I was also told that in the case of a gas attack, we weren’t going to survive anyway, it’s to get one last sortie out and wreck the fools that caused it.

Conclusion

The key takeaways for those new to protective masks are:

• Masks are a tool – they require knowledge, training, and upkeep, just like all other tools.
• Masks will not eliminate risk – they’ll help you mitigate it when used correctly.
• Not all masks are good for all CBRN threats. Assess your risks reasonably and realize the ‘best’ solution might be the most simple.
• Don’t ignore the secondary and tertiary effects of the fears pandemics create – be ready for a Type II emergency.
• Consider the uses you have for a mask/respirator. If you have one you use normally, it might be wise to upgrade to one that can be used for organic threats as well as occupational particulates.

Cheers,

Aaron

ISG Pistol Qual in Mask