{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Calibri;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset2 Symbol;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue255;} {\*\generator Msftedit 5.41.21.2510;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\keepn\sb100\sa100\kerning36\b\f0\fs40 Do You Know How To Choose Your Gas Mask?\fs48\par \pard\sb100\sa100\kerning0\b0\fs24 The gas mask is an integral part in individual protection, but it is only a component, so why do you need it?\par There are many reasons, and the some of the reasons are assuming a natural disaster of some sort. Smoke from forest fires and factory fires are probably two very prominent reasons. Living near pesticide/chemical plants or near biological waste or nuclear waste areas, are also facts that might lead you to consider buying a gas mask. Other valid reasons include outbreaks of virulent disease, leaks from chemical plants, and leaks from reactors.\par Please note that gas masks filter the air you breath, They DO NOT produce oxygen and should not be used in closed off environments that have low oxygen levels. A further warning, a gas mask does not protect from radiation, but it only prevents the breathing of radioactive particles, such as from a reactor breach or a dirty bomb.\par That said, what kind of mask should you get? As far as a gas mask is concerned there are many variables. So how do you know how to choose the right one?\par Let\rquote s see some options.\par \b The Old Soviet Series of Masks \b0\par The most common mask in the world is probably the old soviet series of masks. These masks are simple to use and inexpensive. They come in several sizes and are not a bad choice for those with minimal training.\par Advantages\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sb100\sa100\tx720 Easy to use.\par Good to very good protection.\par Very easy to change filters.\par \pard\sb100\sa100 Disadvantages\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sb100\sa100\tx720 No voicemitter, difficult to be understood\par Lens\rquote s tend to fog up if not kept clean.\par \pard\sb100\sa100{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "https://secure.avangate.com/affiliate.php?ACCOUNT=BRENTVEN&AFFILIATE=39149&PATH=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bulletproofhome.com%2Fvsl%2Findex.php&AFFSRC=Bioa9/7"}}{\fldrslt{}}}\f0\fs24\par \b The Israeli Masks\b0\par The next most popular mask seems to be the Israeli mask. This mask is a bit more expensive, but it is very good. It also has advantages and disadvantages.\par Advantages\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sb100\sa100\tx720 Large eye lenses.\par Nose cup helps prevent fogging under almost any condition.\par Easy to change filters.\par Has a voicemitter, easing communication.\par \pard\sb100\sa100 Disadvantages\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sb100\sa100\tx720 Straps are easy to \ldblquote over tighten\rdblquote this will result in cutting off blood flow in the scalp giving you a raging headache.\par Requires a hood for proper head protection.\par \pard\sb100\sa100\b The American Masks \b0\par And the basic contender, the M-17 series mask used by U.S. Forces and copied by Czech and other forces. These masks run the gamut in cost, from cheap to expensive. This is due to where they were made. This series of mask is well tested.\par Advantages\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sb100\sa100\tx720 Large eye lenses.\par Nose cup prevents fogging and draws air across the eyes to help clear them.\par Voicemitter to ease communication.\par Has \ldblquote many\rdblquote accessories.\par \pard\sb100\sa100 Disadvantages\par \pard\fi-360\li720\sb100\sa100\tx720 Straps are easy to \ldblquote over tighten\rdblquote this will result in cutting off blood flow in the scalp giving you a raging headache.\par Requires a hood for proper head protection.\par Filters are difficult to change.\par \pard\sb100\sa100 All of these masks come in small medium and large. The old soviet masks have a child\rquote s size, but those are hard to find. The Israeli masks have the most sizes and almost as many accessories as the M17 series.\par \b What We Recommend\b0\par For my money, the Israeli masks are the best for cost and availability considering:\par \pard{\pntext\f2\'B7\tab}{\*\pn\pnlvlblt\pnf2\pnindent360{\pntxtb\'B7}}\fi-360\li720\sb100\sa100 Good to very good protection. \par {\pntext\f2\'B7\tab}Excellent sizing. \par {\pntext\f2\'B7\tab}Excellent availability. \par {\pntext\f2\'B7\tab}Very good availability for new high end filters. \par {\pntext\f2\'B7\tab}Accessories like hoods and suits are very easy to get as well.\par \pard\sb100\sa100 All 3 of these \ldblquote kinds of masks\rdblquote protect from Riot Control agents and Crowd Control smokes with no additional equipment.\par If you are worried about exposure to \ldblquote toxic\rdblquote chemicals, that is when you need the \ldblquote high end\rdblquote filters, hood and suits.\par \pard\sa200\sl276\slmult1\lang9\f1\fs22\par }