Friday, December 25, 2009

Why does a gas mask filter expire? Are there any that don't?

How does a typical NBC filter work and what components within it cause it to have an expiration date? If expired, does it no longer filter certain agents or does it just not work at all? Will it go bad if you open it and don't use it or does it get dirty and thus become unusable like an air filter? (assuming it's not technically expired)Why does a gas mask filter expire? Are there any that don't?
Layers of carbon contain particles. Over time, the saturation level can accumulate to dangerous levels. Also, moisture can cause a premature breakdown of the carbon. It really all depends on what kind of enviorment you are in, and the amount of Chem/Bio you are exposed to.Why does a gas mask filter expire? Are there any that don't?
A gas mask works filtering toxic substances through strates of carbon, that retain the poisonous particles. As any other substance also carbon loses its effectiveness due to dispertion in the air
I think a new filter's carbon is active but over time the filtering power weakens as the bonding points on the atoms are lost due to actual usage or to particles found normally in air. But what do I know I'm basing this on 8th grade science class which I took a long long time ago.

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