Hey guys, I got a surplus m40 gas mask with a c2a1 green filter. I was thinking about using it as a particulate filter for grinding with an angle grinder out in the shop. My friend mentioned to me though that I don’t know what the filter was exposed to during its military life and that I shouldn’t use it. I figure its designed to filter bad stuff out so it’s probably not a big deal what it was exposed to, the filter looks fine and I don’t smell anything too suspicious coming from it. I know the activated charcoal is likely no longer as effective as it once was but I figure the particulate filter is probably fine. What do you guys think? Thanks.
>>32495379
I very, very, very highly doubt they'd sell used filters as surplus. If anything you need to worry about asbestos, but that's only in older filters and I've no idea how old yours is and can't be bothered to check.
>>32495379
It will work fine ofr particualtes
>>32495420
I was told it was used in the army. I think they discard filters if they become saturated with chemicals like in basic when they go in the gas chamber and are hit with CS gas.
>>32495420
The filters should be fine, as long as they are C2A1 and NOT C2, since C2 filters contain chromium.
>>32497683
yeah they're c2a1 not c2
>>32497018
When I went to basic I'm pretty sure everyone got hand me down filters
>>32498660
So they were even giving you guys used filters for CS gas? dang.
The filters will last for years if it's just something like CS gas. Go ahead OP, your mask will work just fine.
>>32500471
Think about the astronomical cost of throwing away and replacing a twice used filter. Of course they reuse the training ones. You get issued new in the bag ones while deployed.
>>32495379
Why would you want to, wearing them kinda blows and is way too hot/bad field of view. Get a 25 dollar filter from your hardware store. Probably has better filters too.
>>32503187
I was planning on using the filter with a different full face respirator that has 40mm threads, and from what I understand the particulate filter in a c2a1 is very effective.