Gas Masks & CBRN

Five circular filter media pads laid in a row on a wood surface, showing progressively more discoloration from left to right

Gas Masks & CBRN

40mm Gas Mask Filter Ratings Explained

ABEK, class 1/2/3, and P3 decoded plainly: what a 40mm gas mask filter's rating actually means, and how it differs from CBRN certification.

City skyline across Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin, dimmed to gray silhouettes by wildfire smoke haze

Gas Masks & CBRN

Best Gas Mask for Wildfire Smoke: What N95s Can't Filter

Do you need a gas mask for wildfire smoke or is an N95 enough? I ranked full-face respirators and filters by what each certification actually covers.

Half-face respirator with twin filter cartridges photographed on a plain neutral background

Gas Masks & CBRN

Do Gas Mask Filters Expire? Shelf Life, Dates, and Storage

Yes, gas mask filters expire — most last 5 to 10 years sealed. Here's how to read the date, store spares right, and why surplus filters are a hard no.

Technicians in white lab coats wearing full-face respirators while working in a bright industrial safety lab

Gas Masks & CBRN

Best Gas Masks & CBRN Respirators for Preppers

The best gas masks and CBRN respirators for preppers, ranked by certification, fit, and filter shelf life — from verifiable EN 136 to NIOSH-approved.

Two laboratory technicians in white coats putting on full-face respirators in a bright industrial lab

Gas Masks & CBRN 8.7

MIRA Safety CM-6M Review: A Specs Breakdown

The MIRA Safety CM-6M's EN 136 Class 3 certificate is public and verifiable. A specs-only breakdown: filters, fit, shelf life — and who should skip it.