Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The issuance of gas masks effective against NBC agents is universal
in Israel. Every Israeli man, woman, and child has a government-issued
mask and is familiar with how to seal a room in the home to provide a
measure of safety in the event of this type of attack. NBC-rated masks are
available to the public in the United States as well. Generally they are
large, bulky devices and do not lend themselves to easy and unobtrusive
storage. The other alternative is the new generation of protective masks
and hoods that perform the same task and come in small, convenient foil
packages. The level of protection provided by these hoods varies. Some
provide virtually the same level of protection against NBC threats as the
standard military-issue masks. Others provide lesser levels of protection;
these are generally smaller and lighter as well. Some hoods are merely fil-
tration masks; these filter out particulate matter, such as soot and smoke,
but will not protect you against toxic fumes or biological hazards.
The escape masks are designed to protect against specific threats.
The Duram Personal Escape Mask provides short-term protection against
biological and chemical threats. The Duram Smoke Hood filters out
toxic gases associated with fires and also filters out carbon monoxide. These
lightweight masks are disposable and they come packaged in compact foil
pouches.
The Duram Personal Escape Mask is an
emergency evacuation mask you can carry in
your pocket, designed to provide respiratory
protection and reduce health risk and mor-
tality rate associated with the inhalation of
toxic air. It is pocket sized and weighs less
than 150 grams (around five ounces). It is a
one-size-fits-all device and accommodates
long hair, facial hair, and glasses. The fil-
tration system uses specially impregnated
activated charcoal to remove toxic gases,
and it has a five-year shelf life.
Exhibit 9.10 shows the Duram Personal
Escape Mask. It is certified to provide pro-
tection against ABEK-type gases and chem-
ical weapons such as ammonia, carbon tetrachloride, chlorine, sarin nerve
gas, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur diox-
ide, capsicum spray (pepper spray used by law enforcement), tear gas,
smoke, and a variety of other toxic gases and fumes. This mask is also
Exhibit 9.10
Duram
Personal
Escape Mask
Photo courtesy of Duram, Inc.
