Are Old Gas Mask Filters Still Safe to Use? Everything You Need to Know

Do you have several old gas mask filters lying around your garage or storage area? Since you probably paid good money for those filters back in the day, you probably don’t want to see them go to waste. Unfortunately, you might not have a choice if you want to save your health. 

Don’t automatically assume that those old gas mask filters are still safe and viable for use today. The reason is that gas mask filters have expiration dates on them. So, if you use a gas mask filter anytime after the expiration date, it likely won’t be as safe and effective as it was before the expiration date. 

Do you want to learn more about the risks associated with using expired gas mask filters and the factors that determine their level of safety and effectiveness? Below is an overview of the considerations you need to make regarding the use of old gas mask filters:

1) The Performance of Expired Filters

Expired gas mask filters will always offer a different quality performance than they did before they expired. No filter will ever last forever.

For instance, if you use a gas mask filter with activated charcoal to filter out chemical vapors from the air, it will not absorb the vapors as effectively if it is an expired filter. Activated carbon can only stay viable for so long before it begins to degrade and become less effective at absorbing vapors. 

Old age can also affect the seal integrity of the filters, too. It will degrade the gaskets and rubber seals of the filters along with the activated carbon. If your filters cannot seal properly, they become ineffective at filtering the air you breathe through the mask. That will cause you to inhale dangerous contaminants and pollutants, which could severely impact your health.

Properly storing your unused gas mask filters could extend their lifespans beyond their expiration dates. The best way to store them is in cool, dry environments with no direct exposure to sunlight or UV lights. Make sure the filters are in their original packaging, or at least in a sealed plastic bag if you have opened the original packaging already. 

There is no guarantee how much longer your gas mask filters will last after storing them away properly. That is why you should verify the effectiveness and seal integrity of your stored gas mask filters before using them in hazardous environments.  

2) Understand the Risks of Using Expired Filters

There is always some level of personal risk in using expired gas mask filters. Those risks include the following:

• Reduced chemical protection
• Reduced particulate protection
• Loss of efficiency
• Air leakage

For example, imagine a scenario where a commercial building renovator wants to reconstruct parts of an old building made before 1950. Buildings this old were made with a toxic substance called asbestos. If you were to inhale asbestos fibers through air leaks in your expired filter, the carcinogenic materials would increase your risk of developing cancer.  

It is always better to invest in new filters to ensure your safety and protection, especially if you plan to use them in highly toxic environments.  

3) Inspection Guidelines

Do you wish to inspect your old gas mask filters to see if they are still good enough to use?

The first thing to look for is damage to the filters. Check for any visible damage, such as punctures, dents, rust, corrosion, loose parts, cracks, tears, or missing parts. Any sign of visible damage should be a warning not to use the filter.  

The next thing to look for is discoloration anywhere on the filter. Many expired gas mask filters will develop brown or yellow stains on them due to the excessive chemical breakdown or moisture damage they have incurred over the years. If they are activated charcoal filters, you may see black dust or particles that indicate charcoal degradation. 

Finally, inspect the seals or rubber gaskets along the filter's edges. If you see missing gaskets or tears in the rubber, the filter is no longer usable. You should also avoid the filter if the rubber feels too hard and stiff. The rubber should always be flexible and smooth. 

4) Factors Affecting Safety

Some factors that affect the safety of gas mask filters include improper storage, exposure to contaminants, and failure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

For instance, you should never store your filters in a warm or humid environment, especially one exposed to sunlight. You should also avoid environments with exposure to airborne contaminants, as these will cause the filter material to degrade faster. 

It is safest to use your gas mask filters 5 or 10 years after you purchase them. Anything older than 10 years is too much of a safety risk. 

5) Recommendations

If you are only using expired filters in low-risk situations, such as painting the walls of your home, then it is okay to take the risk. On the other hand, if you are using expired filters in high-risk situations, such as removing asbestos from your building, then you are advised against using them. 

The best option is to purchase replacement gas mask filters from trusted suppliers with a reputation for selling high-quality filters to consumers. Meanwhile, contact your local waste management authority for instructions on properly disposing of your old expired filters. Don’t throw away those old filters with your regular trash, as they contain hazardous materials. 

Buy New Gas Mask Filters

Are you ready to throw away your old gas mask filters and purchase new ones? Parcil Safety is the premier supplier of high-quality, modern gas mask filters guaranteed to maximize protection for anyone who uses them. You can find a wide variety of long-lasting gas mask filters to protect you from several diverse environmental dangers.