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Al Scusi asked in Science & MathematicsBiology · 1 decade ago

How do gas masks work?

What types of filter are there and how do they stop toxins getting through?

Please give links to sources

Update:

Interesting. I put this Q in Biology Category on the mistaken assumption people might actually be interested in the subject.

My interest came when I realised the filters for my own mask are long out of date. I wondered why that might be. Does something go off or is it a commercial thing?

I bought that mask years ago to offer me protection when doing DIY jobs as I have allergies to some paints.

So no FTP there LOL

Update 2:

MY interest is in all types of filters. The how & why of their function to.

Links to easy to follow publications would be very welcome

9 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    The main way that most gas masks work is by using activated charcoal pouches (to filter organic gasses and particles), super small filters (to trap small particles), and various chemical pads (to neutralize non organic gasses like chlorine) to absorb and block the gas while purifying the air.

    The reason that the filters need to be replaced in a given time is because if they absorb any moisture or sit out too long the charcoal and chemicals lose their ability to absorb or block chemicals by becoming weak or in the case of charcoal the microscopic holes become "filled" disallowing proper filtering.

    Here's some recommended reading that goes more in depth on how they work, what kind of filters there are, what kind of masks there are, and about the various things they are used for.

    http://science.howstuffworks.com/gas-mask2.htm

    Source(s): Personal experience, knowledge, and research.
  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    How Do Gas Masks Work

  • 1 decade ago

    in gas masks there will be an activated charcoal that adsorbs the poisonous gases

    it adsorbs all harmful gases leving only a bit nice air for the user to breathe

    long usage of these masks is not adviseble as the charcoal cant adsorb more gases as theit active sites will already be occupied by the gas particles that were previously adsorbed

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    This Site Might Help You.

    RE:

    How do gas masks work?

    What types of filter are there and how do they stop toxins getting through?

    Please give links to sources

    Source(s): gas masks work: https://tr.im/2lW9P
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  • Anonymous
    7 years ago

    Two-strap gas masks or respirators come in three classifications (N, P, and R) and with three efficiency ratings from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Understanding these ratings will ensure you choose the right respirator to protect your health. - See more at: http://www.proconstructionguide.com/guide-to-respi...

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    If we were to think back several decades ago, it would be awkward to think about owning your own personal gas mask. However, times have definitely changed, and so has the personal protection products. In this day and age, it is very wise for any family to own gas masks for every member of your household. There is no reason why one should not own such a security device, especially know that prices on such respirators have dramatically dropped. Gas masks are perfect for protecting you against chemical or biological attacks. However, gas masks have far more uses than just protecting you from the above attacks. They are perfect for industrial workers, which will protect them from dust and various chemicals in paint spray.

    Gas masks not only come in the bulkier items that many people are familiar with, they also come in smaller packets, which can easily be stored in the car or in your home. There is a whole line of discrete, pocket-sized gas masks. One example of a perfect discrete gas mask is The Breath of Life Emergency Escape Mask. This particular mask can last up to 15 to 20 minutes, and is perfect for personal and commercial airborne hazardous matter. This gas mask will protect its users from simple smoke or dust, as well as the unfortunate biological terrorist attacks. However, if you live in sections of the world where natural disasters may become an issue, The Breath of Life Emergency Escape Mask is ideal for protection from the various toxins that can be released in the air via an earthquake, tornado or any other type of natural disaster. But, how does this gas mask protect you from the various airborne toxins that threaten us? This personal protection is brought to you through four filtered layers. These filters are compiled of polyester fibers, Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC), as well as micron particles, which are put through the grueling Fraizer Air Permeability Method. And the big ingredient in this gas mask is the use of charcoal. When you breath through this gas mask, the charcoal is literally purifying the air you breath and is removing the toxic gasses that are in the air around you. This gas mask is made for portable use, and is ideal for storing away in your car's glove box or in your pocketbook.

    One of the gas masks is Breath of Life Emergency Escape Mask, is small and extremely portable. However, this type of gas mask is mainly intended for short term use in a case of emergency. There are other gas masks that are rugged and are made for longer more intense use. SGE 400/3 gas mask is the best of the gas masks. This mask is perfect for use whenever the users respiratory system is in line of becoming endangered. There are several different ways this gas mask can be used. One of these uses is for industrial gas protection, by using it whenever you are on the job and toxins fill the air, such as sandblasting, paint spraying, metalworking and demolition. If you are needing job protection, this mask will give you the heavy-duty protection you need for your heavy-duty workplace. Although, the SGE 400/3 Gas Mask can be used in the work place, it is also perfect for when the threat of Chemical Biological Warfare (CBW) is present. There are also various filter protection classes which are available for purchase. The SGE 400/3 gas mask is suitable for children ages 12 and up.

    Knowing that there are such personal protection gas masks on the market is a comforting feeling. However, how do gas masks work? Basically, a gas mask filter can use up to three different techniques in order to get the air pure again. These options include particle filtration, chemical absorption or adsorption and chemical reaction to neutralize a chemical. Even though there are many different steps in the actual filtration process, the most common filtration method used is by activated charcoal. Activated Charcoal is charcoal which has been treated with oxygen in order to literally "open up" millions of pores between the carbon atoms.

    Whether you are needing a gas mask for industrial use within your place of work, or if you are heading towards biological warfare dead on, there are hundreds of various respiratory protection products on the market today. Make an educated decision as it is your or your loved ones life.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axqnm

    Just want to point out that there are pro-2nd Amendment Democrats. Just like there are pro-choice Republicans.

  • 1 decade ago

    Enlist in the military to test a real gas mask expierence. If not in the military what you need gas masks for? Wondering if your mixing some chemicals to make cookies and dont want to breathe the fumes. Or maybe your just paranoid our country may be gased or just your home by the police depts tear gas.

  • 1 decade ago

    The main filter is top secret and known only too batman it stops toxins by making him look cool as he holds his cape close to his mouth showing only his menacing eyes above it.

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