U.S. Marines with recon team one, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Platoon, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing walk to a simulated contaminated site during a hazardous incident response training exercise on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 27, 2014. The training was conducted as part of Ulchi Freedom Guardian 14, a combined military exercise between South Korea and the United States, to help Marines practice casualty evacuation and decontamination of individuals in chemically contaminated environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Sergio RamirezRomero/ Released)
A gas mask for sale is a critical piece of equipment for preppers. It protects from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) hazards, keeping them from getting in the nose or mouth. These respiratory devices consist of a facepiece that covers the mouth, eyes, and nose, a filter or cartridge to remove one or more chemicals from inhaling air, and straps to hold it in place.
A good gas mask is only as effective as the filters it has and the way they are stored and used, so it is important to find a reputable dealer and get training on how to use and maintain these types of respirators. Then, you should buy the appropriate number of masks for your family, so that everyone will have one in an emergency.
There are plenty of options on the market, but not all of them are the best for prepping purposes. Many of them are surplus military gear or low-quality clones that aren’t rated to protect from CBRN threats. Others are based on obsolete technology or are filled with asbestos or chromium, and most are not designed to be worn by children.
If you are looking for a gas mask for prepping, you will want to avoid these and any other that aren’t certified by the National Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH). Instead, look for a civilian option such as the Israeli gas mask or the US military’s M50, which is designed to protect from the three main kinds of radiation in a nuclear blast: alpha, beta, and gamma.
You can also opt for a self-contained breathing apparatus, which is more like what firefighters wear. They use their own air tanks, are much heavier (30 pounds or more), and require extensive and specialized training to operate. They also protect against higher concentrations of dangerous chemicals, and their air tanks only last an hour or less.
For prepping, you will want to focus on a mask that is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use. It should fit well, and the breathable rubber should be made of bromobutyl, which is resistant to blister agents. There are a lot of DIY hacks about using petroleum jelly to create a seal, but it is unlikely to be effective in a real-world situation.
If you’re on a budget, try the NASUM set that offers goggles and a respirator in a minimalist design. It has a head strap that keeps it secure on the head and provides a wide field of view. Its silicone skirt keeps any debris from getting into the eye area, and it can be paired with a filter for protection against radiological particles. It is available in different sizes, and extra filters are included in the package. You can also add a carbon filter to the package to protect against toxic fumes and other hazards. This set is available in a variety of colors and is a great choice for prepping on a tight budget.
