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Are there masks which are comprehensive for all kinds of thread (biological, chemical, nuclear, tear gas, smoke, etc.)?
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Are there masks which are comprehensive for all kinds of thread (biological, chemical, nuclear, tear gas, smoke, etc.)?
Yes there are masks and cartridges that are effective against the vast majority of respiratory hazards, within the limits of an air purifying respirator. No air purifying respirator can make up for an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Common filters are also not effective against carbon monoxide.
Do filters have a shelf life? Can you buy extra filters and sit on them for 10/20/30 years or do they need to be replaced every so often?
Chemical cartridges rely on "active ingredients" so do have a shelf life. 10 years is the longest I have seen. Masks should probably be replaced somewhere between 10 and 20 years depending on their materials.
How often do filters need to be replaced when in use? How many good filters should you have on hand per person?
How long the filter lasts depends on multiple factors, most critically, the concentration of chemicals it's absorbing. High humidity reduces effective life.
A particulate filter is just limited by physical buildup of whatever particles.
That's like asking how much ammo you need.
Are there specific models made to work in conjunction with, or side by side with tactical armor helmets?
Most will work with a helmet. Military ones are made to work with helmets, and most companies also market certain models to LE for riot control.
What are good and bad gas masks?
What are good brands?
Who are good dealers?
What are key points to look for?
I'm just a user, but IMO, good is a quality, recent production mask from a known reputable vendor of respiratory protection products.
A non-all-inclusive list of brand names would be Scott Safety, MSA, 3M, Drager.
Tons of industrial safety vendors out there to choose from. Do not fall into the "gas mask" trap of limiting your thinking to military surplus type products and vendors. In most cases I would avoid the military products for a civilian preparedness application.
The easiest thing to look for, if you don't want to have to get into the weeds of learning this stuff, is to just get CBRN rated masks and filters. The downside, as I mentioned above, is that CBRN is intended for first responders, and the filters have a long run time requirement. That sounds great, except that the downside to long run time is a large filter that is physically heavy on the face, and harder to breathe through. CBRN filters are heavier than NIOSH (or OSHA, can't remember) allows for regular industrial use. Personally I have the Scott regular multigas filters and the Pro2000/M120 masks. The main thing with masks to make sure they FIT. If a particular brand/style doesn't fit your face, get something else that does.