Which 3M Filter Should You Use for Tear Gas Masks?

Tear gas is an irritant that can be protected against with the correct filter. A company called 3M is one of the leading companies that produce filters and masks. They have several household names that are leading in virus and irritant protection. So which 3M filter should you use for tear gas?

The filters you should use for tear gas are 60921, 60923, and 60926. These fit into your mask with a turn and click and should be covered in case they become unhinged. If there’s no tight seal, you will be subject to the effects of the gas.

3M makes filters and other chemical-based products to protect against all kinds of irritants. For tear gas, using these filters could protect you from attacks by criminals or the authorities. So read on and learn all you need to know about which filters work best against tear gas.

Filters You Can Use Against Tear Gas

The filters you can use against tear gas are readily available online. You should look for packages of two as you will need to change both of the filters at the same time. While one filter could work, taking chances when you know you might encounter gas is a gamble you do not want to lose.

The types of 3M filters that work best against tear gas are:

• 60926 – A standard mask filter is the 60926. It protects against chlorine and oil and non-oil particulates. These are common in mining and welding but work very well against tear gas or any pervasive irritant.
  
  

  3M P100 Respirator Cartridge/Filter 60926

  The 3M™ Multi Gas/Vapor Cartridge/Filter 60926 P100 may be used for respiratory protection from certain organic vapors, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methylamine, formaldehyde, or hydrogen fluoride, and non-oil and oil particulate concentrations up to 10 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) with half facepieces or 50 times PEL with quantitatively fit tested full facepiece masks.

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• 60923 – The 60923 is a mid-size filter made for protection against airborne chemicals. One of the great things about this filter is that it fits a wide range of masks. So if you upgrade, you can take these filters with you.
  
  

  3M P100 Respirator Cartridge/Filter 60923

  The 3M Organic Vapor Cartridge/Filter 60923 P100 helps provide protection against certain organic vapors and particulates in a variety of environments. 

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• 60921 – The smallest of the 3M filters is the 60921. This one is great for starter masks, but if you plan on being around heavy-duty air pollution with chemicals, you might need a mask with more than just a good filter.
  
  

  3M P100 Respirator Cartridge/Filter 60921

  The 3M Organic Vapor Cartridge/Filter 60921 P100 helps provide protection against certain organic vapors and particulates in a variety of environments. 

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  We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

3M has so many filters that getting the correct size and type could be a head-scratcher. However, knowing your size mask, you can choose the proper filter. The biggest hurdle is often installing the filters but getting the wrong size and type is a close second.

Buying a Mask to Protect Against Tear Gas

One of the most important things is finding out what gas mask you need to protect yourself against tear gas. There are tons of masks on the market that can look fast sitting still. However, just because they look good doesn’t mean they work as advertised. Always choose function over form when it comes to your safety.

A few things to consider when buying a gas mask are:

• Rubber – The rubber that makes up the mask is an important thing to consider. By choosing a rubber resistant to different chemicals, you protect yourself against several attack types.
• Lenses – The lens or facemask is a crucial part of the gas mask. It is essential because, like rubber, it can be affected by different chemicals and melt. It is unheard of with tear gas, but lenses have a propensity for cracking if they aren’t inspected for wear.
• Availability of Filters – Filters are what make the mask function. If there’s a problem sourcing the filters or they discontinue the brand, you could have a worthless mask with lots of money tied up in it.
• Style – One of the most critical choices for a mask is style. There are full-face and partial-face models that each have benefits. The full face is best if you think you will encounter tear gassing. It goes on over the head and straps in the back, which allows you to tighten them as much as you need to get a tight seal.

Knowing what kind of situation you will be in heavily influences what type of mask you need. The full face with a proper filter is your best bet against tear gas, and if you need more, look for heavy rubber and dense filter masks.

What to Do if You Get Gassed

Sometimes even the best gas mask can have a bad seal. These bad seals are more about how the mask is placed on you than the quality of it. You can expect seepage if it gets obscured or is not positioned correctly. While it could be minimal, any tear gas in your mask is too much, and you will begin to feel the effects.

Some steps to take if you get tear gassed are:

• Escape – You should get out as soon as you know you are compromised. By moving, you distance yourself from the contaminated zone and get around fresh air. However, your eyes will be streaming, and you will not be able to breathe until you create space from the exposure.
• Find a Breeze – Getting wind in your face will force the gas to dissipate. You can compound the effects by constantly moving into the breeze and help the gas diminish faster. The wind is your friend in a gas situation.
• Cold Water – Something that is a must when dealing with tear gas is cold water. You should constantly flush your eyes and clothes to avoid any contamination. The flushing will help immensely with the burning and the sore throat.

If you get gassed, the rules to follow are simple. First, retreat into the breeze and get your eyes and clothes flushed with cold water as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence, and burning will not go away until you have used it for several minutes.

Final Thoughts

The appropriate 3M filters to protect you against tear gas are the 60921, 60923, and 60926. They are cartridge-based filters that come in different sizes to accommodate your mask. These filters are bought in pairs, and you should replace them to ensure their viability.

Masks come in all shapes and sizes, even from days gone by. Your best bet is to choose a mask that is protective against tear gas and has a thick rubber body and sturdy plastic face shield. Lenses in a mask are old-school and could prevent a world of problems.