Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 17-9. Gas mask with NATO spec 40 mm thread to fit standard NBC canisters. A, gas mask with battery-op-
erated positive-pressure pump. B, standard gas mask.
Photo courtesy of Approved Gas Masks
I do have a few army surplus gas masks on hand—one for everyone in my family, and I
certainly hope that I never need to use them. The respiratory protective gear that I use on a reg-
ular basis, and rely upon considerably, are NIOSH approved P95 respirators with replaceable
carbon canisters that filter out over 95 percent of particulates as well as most toxic volatile or-
ganic compounds (see
fig. 17-10
). These types of respirators are reasonably inexpensive (on
the order of $30) and are available at most hardware stores. They are often referred to as
“painters masks,” and I sometimes call them a “poor man's gas mask.”
