Top 2 Military Gas Masks (and Accessories)įrequently Asked Questions About Military Gas Masks We'll show you exactly which gas masks are suitable for you and the key steps you can take to protect your family better today. We'll look deeper into where these respirators come from, how they work, and what you can expect from them when the going gets rough. What should you be looking for? We're answering all those questions. So which kind of gas mask is suitable for the average American? Would an Industrial Respirator be a viable alternative in case of an emergency? They can be disturbing, even when seeing them in a movie or a TV show.īut in the aftermath of record wildfires and the disastrous train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio-which released large amounts of hazardous chemicals that had to be burned onsite-Americans wonder if they need extra respiratory protection.Īnd while chemical weapons are strictly prohibited on the battlefield, they can still be used by terrorists to target civilians (like the Tokyo subway attacks, where sarin gas was used to injure 5,500 people). The "alien" look… the inset goggles… the bulky filter. Tuthill can say with confidence, "I know that my Marines have a great new tool for war fighting.Military gas masks are instantly recognizable. Until that version is ready for fielding, Sgt. The next generation respirator will also integrate the most advanced communications technology inside the mask. They are also developing physiological monitors and sensors that will control fan speeds for the air based on the breathing demands of the user. The new design will also feature upgrades that allow a flow of air into the nose cup and eye cavity of the mask to keep users cooler. Researchers are working to make it lighter and less bulky. This version is for known "hot zones," and other federal agencies have expressed an interest in acquiring it.ĮCBC already has technologies for the next generation respirator under design. It has only one filter to allow for better aiming and shooting, and will be able to readily use "blown air" from an external source. Meanwhile, the developing team is busy creating a special operations version of the M50, known as the M53. When fielding them to the Army is completed in 2019, it will have received 1,245,978 masks. The Air Force has already received 345,448 M50 masks, the Marines received 131,289 and the Navy 274,333. "We have been involved with every step of the design, validation, the testing and modification process, as well as filter testing, and product quality and deficiency reporting," said Akanksha Raja, the team's systems and logistics engineer. Its production cost per mask, including filters, a mask carrier and a decontamination kit, is $280.ĭesigning a truly inter-service respirator challenged the designers at ECBC to accommodate the differences in service uniforms - including hoods, gloves and helmets, and each service's internal communications gear.Ĭonsidered one of the most heavily tested pieces of personal-protection equipment ever developed by the Department of Defense, the engineers and scientists of the Joint Service General Purpose Mask Team worked on refining it over the course of 15 years. They added that its upgraded valve design makes breathing 50 percent easier, and it is cheaper than its predecessor. It has a silicon and butyl face piece that is flexible enough to fit all face sizes from the second to the 98th percentile of the adult population, Edgewood representatives said. It has symmetrical filters on each side, instead of just one for the M40, and a wrap-around visor, rather than goggles, for increased peripheral vision. Many who use it compare it to the "Darth Vader mask" from Star Wars. And on top of all that, it just looks cool." "I train Marines to be prepared for chemical, biological and radiological hot zones, and this mask provides them with better visibility, easier breathing and greater comfort wearing it. James Tuthill, a training NCO stationed at Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. "I noticed the difference between the M50 and the old M40 mask as soon as I put it on," said Marine Sgt. The Army is now in the process of fielding more than a million of the masks to service members across all four branches. Otherwise known as the Joint Service General Purpose Mask, the M50 was developed by Edgewood on behalf of the Joint Program Executive Officer for chemical and biological Defense. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, who developed the masks. Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen all agree: They like the look and feel of the new M50 respirator, said U.S. Edgewood Chemical Biological Center Public AffairsĪBERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.
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