Actually, the beard depends on the type of mask.

"Gas masks" work by drawing air through a filter. These need a fit, or "bad" air gets in too via the gaps in the face.

the SCBA worn by firefighters is positive-pressure. theoretically facial hair shouldn't be too much of a problem, as the air blows when a person inhales - and should blow out any smoke creeping in. That being said, fit IS important... it's just there is a different mechanism of avoiding toxins. Recall that a SCBA technically is a level of chemical-exposure protection.

Umm, that is all good but I was really asking about the shelf life of surplus gas masks and filters... Namely, that folks are buying 1970's masks and intend to actually use them to protect themselves against all kinds of threats.

Rule of thumb; if there is a filter on it, and NOT in a sealed package, the filter is useless. Even the BEST filters in the worst possible conditions are, at best, rated for 24 hours. If you are purchasing gas masks that already have filters on them, they are worthless, unless you can get hold of new filters.

Remember the old rule about some "contaminates" causing the filters to go bad really fast?

How on earth were we supposed to change the filters on an M17 if we could not exit the contaminated area in time. Those things were a pain to change!!!

Yes, they were. I was in when they went to the M21's...about 5 years after the Brits. Whoever decided that a cheek filter, with an 8 hr life, and 20 mins to change, ought to be fired! A screw in filter is SO much simpler!!

I hate to admit this, but I always had an additional antidote in mind if I began showing true NBC contamination symptoms. It had to do with the muzzle of my sidearm, and my temple.

But I guess I shouldn't admit that, right?

Maybe this TRUE rating on a snope.com link will further push this thread. Fuel for the fire?

Red Thomas 'Real Deal'

I totally agree Desperado

Would have rather had a riot gun, but didn't have one available.