Gas Mask for CBRN Threats

An increase in terrorism has brought about an upgrade of materials, filters, and fitting for the gas mask. The M50 design is a concentrated effort to preserve the health and well being of the wearer through improved respiratory protection and military posture.

Not every person that wears a gas mask will be required to fire at the enemy or encroachers. When necessary, the M50 provides accurate sighting and aim because the carbon filter fits off to the side of the mask on either the right or left side.

To ensure adequate protective posture, the Department of Defense (DOD) has minimum quality standards for every part of the mask. The soft black rubber the unit is shaped from must exceed the minimum permeation requirements for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear environments to be acceptable. The six-point head harness is still the best method for securing the mask.

The M50 has been tested against radiological particles, certain chemicals, and military CB agents. It is more compact and light than its predecessor, and offers a wide field of view because the two separate lenses have been replaced by a single lens over the width of the face which reduces vision impairment. A change in filter styles makes breathing easier.

Chemical agents like mustard (HD) and VX attack the central nervous system and cause physical distress from temporary incapacitation to death. Mustard ranges in color from clear to yellow or brown. It smells like mustard, onions, or garlic. Symptoms occur from 2 to 24 hours after exposure and include blistering skin, diarrhea, vomiting, and a runny nose. The most potent nerve agent known, VX is tasteless and odorless. Its oily amber liquid is slow to evaporate. Methods of exposure are eye and skin contact or inhalation. Blurred vision, excessive sweating, rapid breathing, and abdominal pain are typical symptoms.

A gas mask is only part of the full gear necessary to keep your body safe from the hazards of nuclear detonation and radiation. Humans cannot taste, feel, smell, or see radiation, usually dispersed from 'dirty bombs' in pellet or powder form.

Two common biological agents are smallpox and botulism. The sore throat, muscle aches, and mild fever caused by anthrax, which has no particular smell, color, or taste, are not contagious.

The shortest duration of respiratory protection for a carbon filter fitted mask is 15 minutes, followed by 30 and 45 minutes. Masks with a chest or back-held filter are approved for 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Accessible easy-to-exchange replacements are the key to survival for any protective mask.