Gas masks and Asbestos.

[NCA]

Anyone read the'Armourer' magazine?In the latest issue is a feature on ww2 gasmask filters containing asbestos.I have read about this before a while ago and i was wondering what other members have done to make any in your collection safe?I have in my collection a service mask, 'mickey mouse' mask and an adult civilian mask.Im not going to attempt to empty the filters!And i certainly dont try them on either!
Is there a way to seal the filters up somehow?
Also of interest in the feature is a new goverment legislation making the sale/transfer of anything containing asbestos illegal.The legislation is called REACH.


Article link: Collectors Club of Great Britain - Gas Mask Dangers

[Adrian Stevenson]

We have covered this in the past and a safe and easy remedy is possible. Make a solution of white PVA wood glue and water. Pour this into the filter element. Leave to set. This will seal the filter and render it safe. The Imperial War Museum use this method.

NEVER take things apart or try them on.

Cheers, Ade.

[Nige H]

Other things to watch are certain fabric items, and also the gasmask bags themselves, as some become contaminated with loose fibres from the masks filters. Other items are mostly firearms related such as

Sten Gun silencer cover (2nd pattern)

Asbestos gloves from handling hot gun barrels (MG 42 ?)

WW2 pattern water jacket wrap fro Vickers machine.

Also some but not all Gas masks made up into the Mid 1980's

Oh then of course any new old stock friction materials for your treasured WWII vehicle and also some of the building that you come into contact with at military shows and WWII events such as Nissan huts with corrugated Cement asbestos roofing etc. So don't wear your gas mask collection and don't worry to much about it, at the end of the day mankind has been using the stuff for over four thousand years and as a result its everywhere in everything from loo (toilet) seats to ironing board covers, gas masks are the least of your troubles.

Nige.

[mk1rceme]

I've heard that the round fiber pads between the shell and liner on MkI helmets are also made of asbestos.

[Nige H]

If your really worried then is link will not help!

Uses of Asbestos, Families of Asbestos and their use

As I said before gas mask filiters are only the start of it. LOL

Nige.

[NCA]

Thanks for the info.That link is a sobering read Nige....It would appear the stuff is/was in everything!!

Can anyone suggest an effective way to stabilise the filters using the pva/water mix?Do you just fill the filter up or submerge it?

[Adrian Stevenson]

Just pour a mix into the filter, no need to over do it, as a small amount will do the trick.

Cheers, Ade.

[Danger]

Glad I read this.
Just got an old gas mask today and haven't tried it on yet.
Will glue it up first.
how many ml's to pour in?

[GasMasksUK]

Glad I read this.
Just got an old gas mask today and haven't tried it on yet.
Will glue it up first.
how many ml's to pour in?

Best thing to do first of all would be to identify it....

Thanks

Danny

[Danger]

Hey.
Not sure if it's British or Canadian?
It's quite dirty and needs a clean.

Danger