Need info on gas mask filters (40mm)

[OC FNG]

Getting gas masks for the family that are NBC rated. No, not because of the doomsday preppers show (though I admittadely watch for the entertainment factor), but thinking about the reactor in Japan that nearly went critical and the recent report that San Onofre admitted to a "small amount of radiation leaking from the cooling system into the air". Knowing that if our local plant has a significant leak that the winds direct it straight inland to my home so better to make a small investment to protect the wife and kids during bug out.

Long story short, I'm a bit undereducated as to the expiration dates of the filters. Everywhere I look for filters it seems anything affordable is surplus and had a expiration date in the 90's (if the company even advertises the date). It looks like just about everything for sale(including "current" production filters by aftermarket companies) is expired or about to within months. Where can a guy pick up some affordable filters that are still within expiration date? Is the date more of a guideline like the inspection date on MRE's and can actually be much longer if the packaging is still in good shape?

Also, can someone give me some direction on looking at info on Potassium Iodide? Thanks.

[slagusmc]

check my posting "huge military surplus gear sale" in the on firearms section, I have current production us military gas mask filters for $5-$15 each.. As long as they are sealed, gas mask filters will last a long time, however the filtering element does start to deteriorate after they have been open for a year, and even sealed, I wouldnt trust a filter that was made 20 years ago

[Dark Sky Solutions]

Getting gas masks for the family that are NBC rated. No, not because of the doomsday preppers show (though I admittadely watch for the entertainment factor), but thinking about the reactor in Japan that nearly went critical and the recent report that San Onofre admitted to a "small amount of radiation leaking from the cooling system into the air". Knowing that if our local plant has a significant leak that the winds direct it straight inland to my home so better to make a small investment to protect the wife and kids during bug out.

Long story short, I'm a bit undereducated as to the expiration dates of the filters. Everywhere I look for filters it seems anything affordable is surplus and had a expiration date in the 90's (if the company even advertises the date). It looks like just about everything for sale(including "current" production filters by aftermarket companies) is expired or about to within months. Where can a guy pick up some affordable filters that are still within expiration date? Is the date more of a guideline like the inspection date on MRE's and can actually be much longer if the packaging is still in good shape?

Also, can someone give me some direction on looking at info on Potassium Iodide? Thanks.

Have you purchased gas masks yet? I have a few Military ones and MSA Millinium CBRNE masks available. PM Me for details and pics.

Reference on MSA MAsks: http://www.msanet.com/msafp/product16927.html

This is how much they normally cost: http://firematic.com/fireshop/store....A1005128&xm=on I can do about half that per mask