Do you guys who own gas masks take them everywhere you go? To be of any use, you would have to, correct? Also, since a lot of the gasses these days are odorless and colorless, by the time you felt anything would it be too late? Or do you have chemical sensors of some sort as well? Are you relying on reports from the media that gas has been used? What's the deal?

NO PHOENIX IS NOT POLLUTED LIKE LA

Yeah, but I don't live in LA.

Are you sure? I thought LA and CA were the same thing ; ) Shovelhead69, you really need to get out of the sun awhile. LA is Lousiana. L.A. is Los Angeles. I'd have to say NO on the take it everywhere question. I have enough trouble carrying my keys, pocket knife and cell phone.

Can anyone clue me in on a web site that includes a critique on the Israeli masks and others available on the surplus market? I saw this kind of information on a site earler in the year and though I was sure I had it book-marked, I'll be darned if I can find it now. I believe it was a section of a surplus site. Help!! [red][size=4] P.R.K.[/red][/size=4]

A mask will not save you.

The biggie nerve agents are absorbed through the skin. Bio agents are not detected until after people start turning up sick ir dead.

Start here [url]www.ASOD.org[/url] Lot's of out of date surplus on the market. I had another review site, but can't find it now. Also, check out Assault Web under gear, there is a thread running there. Basically, it will point you to the site mentioned above and sing the praises of the M-95 masks.

A mask will certainly help if: 1. the JBT's are raiding your house and fire tear gas/CS gas in 2. the WTC collapses nearby and the air is filled with crap ranging from smoke to asbestos 3. your house is on fire (probably due to #1) 4. a local chemical plant is on fire 5. a train carrying chemicals overturns in the tunnel, ala Baltimore a month ago 6. you know there is a poison gas cloud coming your way. maybe post nuke strike, who knows? If you are downwind you might have some time.

I echo the same sentiments as those expressed by gardenWeasel. For complete biological protection, a full biological resistant suit is needed to compliment your gas mask. Here are couple of sites where you could purchase different varieties of masks. http://www.911gear.net/ http://civiliangasmask.com/

Yeah, that what I thought too; growing up in LA and living there for 19 years. But then when we moved up to the Bay Area 21 years ago, I realized there is more to CA then hot beach babes and air you can both see and breath. I still miss SoCal. he he :)

fight4yourrights, that's good information, thanks. There are refineries nearby and if for some reason they should ever burn, it might be useful to have something to filter out all the crap. Cool.

IF thats the case what the hell am I wearing the MCU-2P for? That is during drills.

OK. The time to get used to working, drinking,communicating and sighting a rifle while wearing a mask is before you have to do it in a hostile environment.

Anyone know where to get the practice filters?

[B]DON'T USE A GAS MASK IN A FIRE! IT WILL MELT TO YOUR FACE![/B] It will also not help if there is a lack of O2. Gas Masks + Fire = BAD! If you do not believe my advise, ask any fireman about a military or civilian rated gas mask and a house fire. _FS

We have been using the Israeli surplus filters as "practice" filters in our M95 and M40 masks. They are cheap as shit and fit both masks. Also.. snag some Banana Oil Ampules. They allow you to test for proper fit and seal and filtration. If you are not going to purchase and wear MOPP gear, it might pay to invest in some cheap tyvek suits and hoods. (very cheap) I'm not sure how well they would work though...

The above statement is TRUE ! Typical "gas masks" are NOT rated for fire/heat! They also will not work in a oxygen deficient environment. (the MCU/2P and M95 are both made of silicone and the M40 and M17 are natural rubber composites) (the "Evacu-8" fire egress hood WILL work though) Speaking from quite a few years of Fire-Rescue: Even our fire rated SCBA masks can melt in extreme heat. I've never seen it happen but have seen photos. BTW: WHERE THE FUCK IS FEMA WITH ALL OF THEIR GEAR FOR THE RESCUERS !!???????????!!!!!!!!! Those firefighters and cops digging through the rubble are going to be condemned to a life of suffering, cancer and asbestosis with the extreme levels of asbestos exposure. Those small paper-like surgical masks do NOT filter any of the fibers out. The fed.gov has really shown us that it is NOT prepared for anything. It is truly sad. 8 years of Klinton/Gore decimated the whole Civil Defense and intelligence communities and preparation.... God Bless America !