Can a VOC respirator for doing fiberglass, etc protect against tear gas?

[tk2kewl]

Just wondering if there is any value in bring the one I have in the garage with me to D.C.

[benburch]

1. No. Won't help.

You need a proper gas mask.

A teargas cartridge is a special cartridge.

And there is nothing that will protect exposed skin from pepper spray.

[tk2kewl]

2. there isn't a filter cartridge that I can put in that would help, huh?

I hear what you're saying about the pepper spray (It won't protect me from bullets either, btw), but no way to get a modicum of protection from tear gas with the mask, huh?

[bahrbearian]

3. Maybe a Paint Cartridge might help a little.

[MyNameGoesHere]

10. Find a "Soldier of Fortune" type<Military surplus>

store and by a military type gas mask. Some actually sell Israeli masks which are very good for tear gas. But make sure they have cartridges in them. Sometimes they sell those also. Mostly out of shelf life items but Might help. Also tear gas is highly irritant to areas that are moist, so do not shave prior to protest. Wear long sleeved shirts rolled up and try to wear long pants. masking tape around cuffs/sleeves will keep most tear gas out. Also tear gas in the open will settle toward the ground so crawling won't help, actually will get more that way. On a personal note, TEAR GAS HURTS LIKE HELL! But it eventually goes away.

[sui generis]

4. yeah gotta use a solvent type respirator

also you need sealed eye protection.

It is likely that you would be detained for questioning if someone saw you at a march carrying a full face gas mask; just be aware.

The best possible thing you can carry is a digital camera with a memory chip that you can remove and secure, or else a minicam if you are expecting official violence.

[tk2kewl]

6. I've gone to protests before, and I am always a peaceful participant...

I am just really worried about the extent to which these criminals will go to seize more power. I'm taking my wife along and that makes me even more concerned. The video camera, digital camera and camera phone will all be along for the ride.

[Ganja Ninja]

5. Probably better than no mask at all.

Better use eye protection too.

[benburch]

7. WORSE than no mask at all.

Tear gas makes breathing harder. Any mask makes breathing harder. I'd hate for you to vomit or suffocate in a mask that wasn't protecting you.

[slampoet]

8. The operative part of a gas mask is the charcoal filter.

That is the prt that filters out toxins

[benburch]

9. For military tear gas, you need an active chemical filter.

Activated charcoal will not be effective enough at all.

[lateo]

11. You get used to tear gas after a while.

It will still sting but, believe me, after being exposed to it a few times it isn't so bad.