These questions and answers should be read in conjunction with the information, data and test results included in other pages of this site.

Is Muski™ considered to be a NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) Mask?

Muski™ is an Emergency, First Aid Escape mask. It is not an NBC mask as defined in various International Standards for Respiratory Protective Devices. Muski™ has not been tested as a filter against various chemicals and irradiation of Alpha, Beta or Gamma rays. Even the efficiency of the NBC mask against all types of contaminants depends on its fit to the face, the type of contaminant and its concentration, and the distance from the source of the contaminant. Muski™ filters provide high filtration against microorganisms including properties smaller than Anthrax, particles exceeding 0.3micron, Dust and Smoke, as can be seen from test results presented in this site.

If Muski™ does not provide full protection against NBC why do I need it?

Muski™ is better than nothing! If the bearer of Muski™ finds himself in a situation where he thinks, feels, or knows that there is a suspicious contaminant in the atmosphere, he can immediately don Muski™ and escape from the contaminated area. Muski™ will provide significantly better protection than a wet towel, a surgeon's face mask, or a regular half mask used in industry. Muski™ is a hood type mask with a good seal around the neck - providing protection for the head, face, ears, nose and mouth. There is sufficient visibility through the hood to find the way out, and/or read signs or instructions. A four layered filter as described, and an exhalation valve opposite the mouth facilitates exhalation. Muski's™ compact size when folded, its light weight (40 grams), and its low cost provide an extremely economical affordable product that could save the life of its wearer. Even in the case of a "false alarm", its use does not involve significant expense, when compared with other one-time use only escape masks available on the market.

How can such an inexpensive mask be effective?

Our company specializes in the development and production of unique disposable equipment, and offers inexpensive solutions to major problems. Our basic idea was to make a disposable, one-time use emergency mask available to EVERYONE. Muski™ has most of the key features of far more expensive emergency escape masks, but without their bulk or weight. Due to its thin, light carbon filter layer, its ability to filter a wide-range of chemicals is proportionately limited - but as stated, it is significantly better than a wet towel, surgeon's mask, etc. However, Muski™ is not inferior to other more costly escape masks on the market. Muski™'s low cost makes it available to the entire population and its compact size and lightness enables people to have it with them at all times in a pocket or purse. Also, due to the inexpensive financial outlay no-one will hesitate to use Muski™ even in a suspected emergency situation, because even if it does prove to be a "false alarm" it can be easily replaced, with no significant loss to the user. Quotation from a 9/11 survivor: "I had to run six blocks through smoke and heavy dust, and would have appreciated a filter protection over my face and eyes - like that provided by Muski™!"

How long can MUSKI™ protect me?

The quality of filtration is dependent on quantity and concentration of contaminants in the atmosphere. Specific duration of time for exact or definite filtering ability is unpredictable in advance. e.g. tested under laboratory conditions, Muski™ filtered dust for 15 minutes, and microorganisms for 10 minutes. However, this time frame was requested by test requirements, and it should not be assumed that this is the limit of Muski's protective capability. As stated, prevailing conditions in the atmosphere will always be the determining factor as to the amount of protection Muski™, or any other mask for that matter, can offer the wearer. It is recommended that MUSKI™ be worn until the wearer is sure that he/she has left the contaminated area.

If, while wearing Muski for a while, I feel a "build-up" of heat inside the mask, what should I do?

Muski is designed to enable the user to make a speedy escape from a hazardous situation. If a build up of heat should occur inside the mask, position the exhalation valve located in the center of the filter as close as possible to your mouth, so that most of the exhaled air will be expelled directly through the valve. Although build up of heat may begin to feel uncomfortable to some wearers, it must be emphasized that if worn correctly, with the valve close to the mouth the heat will not become excessive or dangerous, and Muski's design will continue to ensure that a sufficient amount of filtered air is available. Keep in mind that the external dangers will almost certainly be many times more severe than any heat discomfort experienced within the mask! UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD MUSKI BE REMOVED IF THE USER IS STILL IN THE LOCATION OF THE HAZARD OR CONTAMINANT.

Has Muski™ been tested for inhalation of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) residues within the Hood?

The recommended apparatus for testing the concentration of CO2 , consists of a breathing machine with a solenoid valve intended to test Respiratory Protective Devices. This is not an appropriate test for Muski™. Muski's™ exhalation valve opposite the mouth is unique. It is intended to face the mouth area so that exhaled air will be directly expelled from the mask. Therefore, concentration of CO2 residues should be very low. On the other hand, if tested with a breathing machine according to the Standard, it could show higher levels. In Muski™, the exhalation valve membrane opens only if air is expelled directly through it. With the testing equipment described above, passive air flow is measured. During the Gulf war in 1991, millions of people in Israel used various types of gas masks repeatedly (about 15 times) for several hours at a time. Many people were hospitalized, but there were no reported incidents of excessive carbon dioxide concentration residues.

While donning Muski™, when I passed the rubber band over the mask to seal the hood around the neck, the round white cover of the exhalation valve fell off. Is the mask still safe?

Yes, Muski™ is still safe. None of the Muski™ characteristics change if this occurs. This cover protects the elastic membrane while Muski™ is folded, so that outer pressure will not harm the membrane. During use of the mask it has no purpose. In any event, be careful when you pass the band over your face in order not to touch the cover, but even if it is detached, the effectiveness of Muski™ is not impaired.

One of the rubber bands snapped and broke/was mislaid while donning/unpacking the mask. Is the mask still functional?

Yes. Even with one rubber band around the neck, tests showed that the hood was sufficiently sealed. Two rubber bands have been supplied so that even if one is lost/broken during the panic & stress of trying to don the mask as quickly as possible, the second band provides back-up, as well as providing additional opportunity to ensure that all hair is enclosed and covered by the hood before sealing with the second band.

Can I use Muski™ whilst escaping from fire?

Yes. But take special care to ensure that flames or extreme heat over 100oC do not come into contact with the mask. MUSKI™ and its components are not fireproof. Heat/fire may melt or burn parts of the mask. Muski™ provides good protection against smoke or fumes caused by fire; it protects the eyes, and filters a large portion of smoke. However, it should be borne in mind that as with every Respiratory Protective Device, the efficiency of smoke and fume filtering, will depend on the concentration, and the distance from the source of the smoke or fumes.

You state that the plastic material of the hood has been tested to withstand 6 hours of Mustard Gas but you do not give any time frame regarding resistance of the filters against Mustard Gas?

Muski™ filters were not tested for filtering against the effects of Mustard Gas. Therefore, we cannot state the filtration ability and a time frame for significant filtration ability. In contrast to the absolute resistance of the plastic hood, the filters must allow the air to pass through, but the charcoal is capable of absorbing part of the mustard gas. Again, the ability to filter depends on the concentration and the distance from the source of the Mustard Gas. On the other hand, we think it is very important to know that the hood is completely resistant to Mustard Gas and other gases. There is no doubt, that if the complete head is covered and protected, especially the eyes, nose, mouth and ears, risk is significantly reduced. During the Iraq/ Iran war, Iraq attacked the Kurds in the North/East of Iraq using Mustard Gas. It was found out that regular clothing is protection against mustard gas, and, if immediately following exposure, the victim removes contaminated clothes and thoroughly washes himself, the impact of the gas is significantly reduced.