Good info! I carry a quality dust mask from Home Depot in my Day Runner Urban PSK, plus a red bandana and white handkerchief. The goggles make sense, and should be light weight enough - I'll get a pair soon. Thanks, Tom

Very good point! I am thinking about some kind of a gas mask, but for another reason. I travel to some countries, where toilets stink so much, that I try to avoid them. But in some occasions it is impossible. Any light fibre masks and handkerchiefs did not help because they are good for dust, but not for smell. I have been once in a toilet where some smart person put a Soviet gasmask!!! It worked perfect, but too bulky to carry. It may sound funny, but for me it is a big issue! Does anybody know some masks or respirators that are relatively compact, cheap and reusable, which I could use for this purpose? I do not need goggles.

that reminds me of a small protest action agains mine dad smoking, i putted mine soviet gasmask on <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> ...
to stop smell, you could try to find carbon filter masks, the ones that stop paint fumes. havent try them against smoke or in restrooms, though.

For odors you need to use an activated charcoal filter. For the price the best i have found are the 3m disposable organic vapor filter. It is smaller than a gas mask and light weight, but it is still not small enough to fit in your back pocket. These also have OSHA approved dust filters that are replaceable. You should be able to purchase one at an automotive paint and body supply for less than $20 US. I have not tried one for problem bathroom odors but i believe that it would work, i have used it for other things that smell and it works really well.

I carry a basic dustmask and clear plastic glasses in my "truck first aid kit". I don't think I world personally carry them in an Urban PSK. However, they would not take up much room, or weigh much. Another idea: I used to carry a combo facemask with a splash guard before I got what I carry now. This was very flat and small, (even lighter).

Neither of these options seals off the face or eyes too well; good for splash protection but not for particulate matter.

The Ben Meadows company would be a good source for eye and face protection. I just got one of these catalogs the other day-- I must have left it at work, or I'd give you the web address.

:-) Tim H

For smell - a bit of Caramex in a dust mask/under the nose.

Actually, IIRC the medical grade masks will filter smaller particles than dust masks.

Activated charcoal needs to be "fresh" or freshly opened. Any moisture really detracts from the effectiveness.

Most neck scarves are made from fleece. Fleece, nylon, poly, etc are the things I'd LEAST want to wear. It burns/melts. Leather, cotton and wool will burn, but only at much higher temps.

I've always liked the idea of the evac-u-ate. But I'd still carry goggles and dust mask - the evac-u-ate would be great in situations where the heat/smoke/lack of O2 may be a problem, but if you use it for dust then you won't have it for the environments where the dust masks alone will not help.

IIRC CO and CO2 REPLACE O2. You cannot fix this with any type of filter.

Where are the firefighters here?

You are correct about the low O2 concentration. One thing to consider with any type of filtration system in heavy smoke/toxic fumes, is the possible lack of O2. While the filtration system can and will filter the smoke and toxic fumes, oxygen may be displaced enough so that the filtered air that is actually being breathed may not have an oxygen concentration sufficient to support life. That is why when we are involved in a structural fire, we wear self-contained-breathing-apparatus (SCBA) or for confined space rescues supplied-air-breathing-apparatus (SABA), which supply's us with breathable air. Due to both heat and low oxygen, the adage of keeping low to the floor in the event of fire/smoke filled room/building, would still apply even if one is wearing a filtration device. The filtration device should not lead to a false sense of security; your main goal should still be to get out as soon as possible. Pete

Is it Model#00817682? MSA Safety Works Toxic Respirator for Harmful dust with ExhalationValve .I keep one in my tool bag and PSK Bag.For people wearing eyeglass's It's a must! No Fogging! On 9-ll my nefhew and his entire company of NYPD recruit's were sent from the Acd.to the site.I saw his wife and gave her a box of these and Vick's vapor rub for him to pass around to his men