Asbestos in old gas mask filters?

[1911-a1]

Hi, i have a Soviet GP-5 gas mask. It looks like this:
http://www.gasmasks.net/lmagshop/ru-021.jpg


The mask is brand new and i have never used the filter.
I have read a couple of times that old gas mask filters might contain asbestos. Is this true? How do i know if my filter is "safe"? I can get some pics of the markings if it helps...

[Macaca sylvanus]

Asbestos is totally inert unless it is cut into or sawn into, this releases the asbestos fibres which lodges in your lungs and could lead to serious illness. Asbestos is not a poison and it is not radioactive! So I wouldn't worry too much about just owning this respirator. However I wouldn't recommend you to use it since the filter might contain loose asbestos fibres which are dangerous.

[T3ngu]

Asbestos is totally inert unless it is cut into or sawn into, this releases the asbestos fibres which lodges in your lungs and could lead to serious illness. Asbestos is not a poison and it is not radioactive! So I wouldn't worry too much about just owning this respirator. However I wouldn't recommend you to use it since the filter might contain loose asbestos fibres which are dangerous.

If the asbestos is used anywhere that can get from there to your lungs don't touch it. Safest thing with asbestos is to bag it and dump it at a secure landfill. I used to work in a laboratory that tested for asbestos, its bad stuff.

[KillerBD]

Well if all hell does happen to break loose then you could just piss on a shirt to wet it up a bit and breath though that as a make-shift gas mask. :)

No need to thank me, I know I give the best advice :P

[Juusto]

If you are unsure why don't you just buy new filter with same threads and use it. Old filter is probably useless anyway. Or if you want to use that mask as a decoration just open that filter and remove all it contains with can opener.

Anyway... I had a mask like that and I believe that filter contains nothing more than active carbon. Asbestos was mainly used during WW2 I believe. (in gasmask filters)

[Xaito]

Ive played with this or similar type of Soviet gasmask when I was 5 years old (we've had one at the local chess club I visited - don't ask me why) - I'm still alive ;)

[BlitzCod]

I have one on my book shelf. Same but the rubber part is black. If there has been asbesetos in it. Im ****ed.. :-) Have used it in few parties when there has been some kind of masquerade-theme or something.

[Sousuke]

Well about the asbesetos...That thing was used mainly in WII era gas mask filters, and the design was droped around the 50-ties, when the Charcoal filters were introdused...

So, if ya have a gas mask thats older than 1960, i do not recommend putting that thing on yar head ^^

[LRPV]

Would it be considered impolite to ask why the fvck you need a gas mask? You expecting a SWAT team at the door?

[CreepingDeath]

asbestos is or maybe was found only in Fire protection suits, probably in older models.

[Xaito]

Would it be considered impolite to ask why the fvck you need a gas mask? You expecting a SWAT team at the door?

in case the russians are coming obviously ;)

though I agree - I wouldn't want to wear one unless I'd really have to... .

[D.Sigurdsson]

Would it be considered impolite to ask why the fvck you need a gas mask? You expecting a SWAT team at the door?

I'd like to take a stab at this.
Two (maybe three) years ago there was an accident in my kitchen causing my apartment to fill up with smoke, I was unable to go into the kitchen (burning eyes and problem breathing) without putting on my gasmask (US M17)
Old filters but enough for me to open windows and neutralize the threat.

So I say everyone should have their own gasmask.

[Sousuke]

U know, a gas mask is a wery usefull thing to have :) air brushing (paint), working with various poisons, explorirng potential toxic areas (old bunkers, facilities...) and the above scenario. I own an Yugoslavian M1 Gas mask, It was unopened until yesterday (1995 is the year of production).
The filters may not povide NBC protection, but hey, i'm not planing to get attacked by biological weapons p-)

EDIT:
asbestos is or maybe was found only in Fire protection suits, probably in older models.
Yeah, it was widely used as fire proof material in buildings, boats...today asbestos is tilted by law, back in the days they didnt know it was toxic...

[1911-a1]

LRPV: Yes, i also have some claymores pointing at my door.

Sousuke (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/member.php?u=53093): Do you have some pics? I had two of those, but i cant find them anymore. Please post some pics of your stuff :)

[Sousuke]

Yep, just took some :), Sorry for the quality, it is taken with a phone :-(

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/Boris_Kozma/Military%20Photos/Photo141.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/Boris_Kozma/Military%20Photos/Photo142.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/Boris_Kozma/Military%20Photos/Photo143.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/Boris_Kozma/Military%20Photos/Photo144.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/Boris_Kozma/Military%20Photos/Photo145.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/Boris_Kozma/Military%20Photos/Photo146.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/Boris_Kozma/Military%20Photos/Photo148.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/Boris_Kozma/Military%20Photos/Photo149.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/Boris_Kozma/Military%20Photos/Photo150.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/Boris_Kozma/Military%20Photos/Photo151.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/Boris_Kozma/Military%20Photos/Photo154.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/Boris_Kozma/Military%20Photos/Photo153.jpg
(yeah I know, showoff :roll: p-))

[1911-a1]

Cool pics man! Thanks! So, I see you're from Serbia :D You wouldn't happen to know where I can get one of those in Beograd? Again, thanks for the pics :D

[Sousuke]

Thanks :)

Hm, Belgrade, well if you know someone from the lokal "kasarna" i think you can get one preety easily, cuz the 60mm filter isnt in use anymore, and therefore these M1-s have become obsolete...i got mine from the lokal "Vasar" p-) (only 150 din (*Din - Serbian currency, 150 din is around 2 euros), packed, not even opened :D (how chould i resist?), damn i love Serbia rofl)

[Corrupt]

I'd like to take a stab at this.
Two (maybe three) years ago there was an accident in my kitchen causing my apartment to fill up with smoke, I was unable to go into the kitchen (burning eyes and problem breathing) without putting on my gasmask (US M17)

Similar thing happened to me (except I had a newish S10 British Respirator) which made breathing in amidst combusting **** a ****load easier. Thing is I was in the attic at the time and the only exit was an (on fire) 2ft by 2ft hatch in a 4 foot high kinda crawlspace thing at other end of a dark smoke filled loft quickly filling with smoke and the fire was spreading. If I hadnt have had a store of collected militaria including a nomex RAF flight suit and gloves and that respirator Id have died in there.

Look in firemans face when a singed flightsuit and gasmask attired figure appeared was priceless

[StuRat]

Lol, the only time I've used mine for anything but playing around in (British s10) was unblocking a very smelly toilet. Couldn't smell a thing with it on

[Macaca sylvanus]

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll30/lstagnetto/IMG_1174.jpg

Me sanding the floors of my new house - I knew that respirator would come in handy one day!

[ghostt888]

I own a PMG Soviet Gas Mask from 1986 i believe, I am wondering if the filter is still usable? I am looking to open it for decor, not actual use.

[thesystem]

Don't think so, the filter is over 10 years...

[aop]

I used old Finnish army gas mask (looks exactly the same as Sousukes mask) couple a days ago while cooking. Onion causes my eyes to "burn" and get very wet so this time I tried to use the old gas mask while cutting the onion and it worked. No more "burning" and wet eyes. I'm going to use it again, made cutting onions much more pleasant experience.

edit: I have heard that even old filter will keep tear gas out, so they should still work if you are planning on rioting.

[thesystem]

Hahaha funny use of the mask! For that stuff it still works but i dont think against CBRN gasses ;) I just orderd a GP-7VM from ebay....just for the looks of it hehe. But i'm a proud owner of an AVOND FM12

[David Noack]

Hy everybody

i made a quick video about the gas mask filter from the russian gp5 mask.
Just wanted to know whats inside..is it safe..or not. hmmm.
now i know there was no asbestos in my filter woot

There it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL-T_CNQQXU

have fun

Dave p-)

[1911-a1]

Thanks for the vid :D What is your filter marked with? What date was it made etc?

[David Noack]

Unfortunately i can upload just one old picture of it because i painted the filter black and assembled it again.

But the marks on the topside(where you screw the filter into the mask)
are 23/ 65
On the edge 547-3-86
and on the bottom A4 or 4A...dont know exactly. can't remember it :roll: