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How to Read the Date on a 40mm Israeli Gas Mask Filter

With the advent of chemical and biological warfare came gas masks. Militaries the world over armed soldiers, as well as many civilians, with goggled masks that accommodated a screw-in air purifying filter. Mask design varied across countries, and many have become collectible due to their effectiveness or rarity. The Israeli military M15 model is one such collectible mask, and is still effective if used within its printed expiration period. On this model, the manufacture and/or expiration date is printed on the 40mm screw-in filter.

Things You'll Need

Soft cloth
Dishwashing liquid
Pen
Notepad

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the filter, attached to the front of the mask. The filter is a small, circular tank with a depth of roughly 2 inches and a radius of 2 to 3 inches.
- 2
  Clean away any dirt, soot or other residue from the outside of the tank using a damp cloth and a drop of dishwashing liquid. During storage, the date may have become obscured by dust.
- 3
  Find either the manufacture date or expiration date printed near the filter's threaded collar. According to the Approved Gas Masks home page, the mask and filter is effective for a maximum of 20 years after the manufacture date.
- 4
  Record the manufacture and/or expiration date for your personal records. If you plan to sell, trade or store the mask, the date may come in handy later.

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