VAPORWEAR

The history of gas masks is long and varied, in hopes of matching the threat from various different types of agents. Early “masks” were just wet sponges covering the user’s mouth and nose. As threats changed, so did the masks and the technology behind them. Lots of people are familiar with the M17 military gas mask, but like everything in life, filters and composition have improved. Today, the M17 is nothing more than a conversation piece since the filters contain chromium, which we now know to be a carcinogen.

The first question you should consider is whether you even need a gas mask. If the anticipated threat is simply riot control agents (RCA), then any of the masks listed here will be fine. And depending on how uncomfortable you want to be, so will a wet sponge. The penalty for exposure to RCAs is discomfort for a brief period of time. If it’s something more nefarious, like VX nerve agent, then a mask is only the first step since the agent can also be absorbed through exposed skin. That type of threat requires full body protection and coverage — but level A to D chem suits are a topic for another day.

In this article, we’ll discuss two types of threats: CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) and RCAs. Considering