A respirator is going to cover you in most situations. IMHO, you are correct about The C in NBC. There's not much a civilain is going to be able to do to detect chemical agents, let alone provide full protection. N is another case, though. And a half mask will provide you with the proper respiratory protection. Add to that a Tyvek suit and a method of decontaminating, and you will be covered in most all cases.

I have both 3M half masks (7500 series) and 3M full masks. But the half masks are the most likely by far to see any use (other than training, of course.)

For filters I store primarily P-100's but also have some multi-gas filters stored, too.

Will the 3M P100/Multi-gas filter be able to filter everything out? What are its limits? Can it filter out carbon monoxide? Tear gas/CS/CN?

CO? No.

CS/CN? Yes.

 

You state this is for your BOB? Is your BOB out in the sticks? How far and what kind of terrain do you have to cross? Big population areas? Places with HAZMAT? Industrial areas?

Knowing the answers to those questions should help you determine the type of mask you might want to get. If it were me buying a mask, I would go full face. That way you protect your eyes, face and respritory tract. Those are the three that allow the easiest way for contamination to enter your body.

Research the chemical hazards those areas I mentioned then look for a mask and filter combo that will protect you from those particular nasties.

 

I agree with the above. I would rather protect my whole face. Chances are you will not know exactly what is in the air.

And if a NBC scenario is a concern, I would definitely invest in a suit as well. The disposable ones are pretty cheap. But you get what you pay for.

 

Whats the difference between a full face respirator and a gas mask?wont they do the same thing?Is the Respirator better?Elaborate please.

 

Whats the difference between a full face respirator and a gas mask?

In short: none (or if we're really nitpicky, one could interpret it as the latter you mention was only used during WWI).

Long version: Gas mask is a layman's term and something of a misnomer since even back in the day (say 1930's) they were usually fitted with filter cartridges that filtered both particles and gases (and gases come in different form), even though the particle filtering part was rather primitive and consisted of felt or cotton-like fibers.

Compare "bulletproof vest" and ballistic vest/bullet-resistant vest. In many languages (German/Swedish/Finnish just to name a couple) the more precise term is literally Protective mask though the word Gas mask stubbornly hold terrain in those languages too.

 

Go with half-mask, goggles

What you have to look at is if you're looking to put something in a BOB, every little bit helps. A full gas mask may take up more room than it's worth. A dust mask or half-mask respirator with chemical-resistant goggles may be sufficient. A full-scale chemical attack is a long-shot, even more-so are the chances that you're going to be in the right place to protect yourself when it hits, or even know when it hits. I don't believe a gas mask will touch nuclear fallout. If you're thinking chemical weapons, you even have to think beyond face protection. the water supply is compromised, and whatever you touch could be contaminated. But back to your original post, I'd say go with half-mask with extra filters in the case of a puncture or wear, and chemical resistant goggles that fit tight to your face (not just protective eyewear).

Asside from the face, I'd recommend:

-a chemical coverall like this
http://www.disasterreliefsupply.com/medline-venom-chemical-resistant-coverall-5pk.html

-disposable gloves made of vinyl or nitrile

-water purification (portable filter, tablets, bleach, individual water packets so you have your own water supply)

If you're trying to avoid preparing for outrageous circumstances, don't go all out! Go with what you know will keep you safe and nothing more. Hope this helps!

 

I have collected Gas Masks as a hobby since I was 13 years old. I love the old masks but I would not want to risk my life on a surplus mask. The military masks that go on the market are ones that have gone out of date even if in storage. Gas Mask filters also go out of date. A really old filter will turn to dust and crumble in the canister.

The 3M half masks you mention will have an expiration date on the filters and the replacement filters as well. A good pair of goggles, a high end 3M half mask and a Tyvek suit are normally all you need and will be much more comfortable than the military gas mask. Also note military masks come in sizes. You had better understand European sizing marks. The Israeli mask is made in Germany by Drager.

You really want to keep particulate out of your lungs and the 3m mask will do just fine.

 

look for any respirator with a purple sicker. it will stop gasses as well as dust

 

I'm not sure one should go with a half mask and chemical goggles when heading off into the unknown. Most chemical goggles are for protection from liquid splash and my not provide adequate vapor protection. Many models have vents to allow air into the goggles to prevent or reduce fogging.

Another thing to consider is if you have to don the mask/goggle combo, you may not get it on as quick as you could with a full face mask.