Use of asbestos in protective equip.

[Eddie]

Hi Guys,

Just wondering if everyone else is aware of the asbestos pad contained in WW2 Gas Mask filters manufactured after 1938.

I must say I didn't know until last week when an old mate came to visit, (He is an asbestos removal specialist), a while ago he was contracted by the Imperial War museum to remove and make safe the Gas Masks held there........... I have several in my collection and also sell them on Ebay on a regular basis.

Probably through my own ignorance I didn't bother to check out exactly what is in these things, I had assumed that it was just charcoal and cotton waste filled.......

I must admit I was never cautious with them, I have been collecting them since I was 14, and have probably tried the fit of every one of them.....in hindsight that makes me a bit silly, and makes me wonder how many other collectors know of this.... surely I'm not the only one who has tried one on?

[Tiny]

I was told not to wear them when I first boughtmine for that very reason, but I have seen peole wearing them. I know Bonkers wore his for a while last time we were at Hus Bos

[Eddie]

That's a good dealer mate, I bought tons and never got told once..... but like I said probably my fault for never investigating them further......... I'm not overly worried as whatever would have been breathed in the past would have been filtered by surrounding compacted layers.

Apparently it's not just the WW2 ones, some later respirators contained Chromium5, upto the early 90's West German respirators and gas capes had unacceptable levels of Formaldahyde present.

It wont stop my collecting, I'm just glad I know so I can treat the things with the respect they deserve.

[Bonkers]

hi ya Eddie, the asbestos threat is one of those long term, slow to contract thingies. But, the dangers must be stressed, for the sake of youngsters that come to events. If we maintain that they are not safe, then nothing will go wrong.
I have tried all my masks on at some stage, except the mickey mouse, he he he, me heads too big.
I wore mine for at husbo, it was something i needed to try. I have abused my body with nicoteen for many years and 15 minutes in a gasmask, carn't be much worse. Having said that, i will never put one on at a show.