Asbestos Removal from gas masks

[Kitteh]

Before anyone loses their minds: No, I won't be doing it myself. My lungs may be not good, but I don't want them any worse.

So, on to the actual topic. I have a rather unique M4 gas mask. Identical to the one in this thread on the forum (TLDR: It's an experimental M4 gas mask, with "SS" just below the US mark, but no one is fully sure what it stands for). I would really enjoy being able to actually hold and use the mask, however everyone's favorite carcinogenic substance is known to be in the filters. Do you guys know of any suggestions on if it's possible to have said asbestos removed? I recall the International War Museum saying something about specialists being able to do so. If so, which kind should I go to? I'm not sure whether asbestos removal companies are suited for the removal of these things while keeping the rest of the mask intact. Are there some sort of preservation specialists I could look for?

Also, if the removal is even possible, and we know what kind of people to see, are there any places for it you people would recommend in WA state?

Thanks in advance

[dmar836]

Leave it alone. It won't hurt you.

If certain collectibles worry you in their construction, it is best to avoid those items.

BTW, M1 helmets and about any other painted item of the era, including the metal on your mask, contains lead in the paint.

D

[Kitteh]

Good to know. As for the lead? I'm already quite stupid, so I doubt that the lead can make my brain any worse. (I'm joking of course, I wash my hands after I handle my equipment)

[Bodes]

I have seen and owned foreign masks with the filter cannisters removed from the hose,....So this is an option....Otherwise I believe the contents are sealed and generally safe unless one cuts them open and the contents become air borne....Bodes

[mvmhm]

Asbestos won't bother you if you don't bother it.

 

 

Mark sends

[srossio]

I agree with mvmhm...asbestos is only harmful if the fibers are released into the air and you breath them.  Even then, you have to breath quite a bit over a long period of time for it to cause a problem.  Handling an artifact such as this shouldn't present a problem unless you decided to wear it for reenacting in which case I would say...don't!  
Asbestos as well as lead paint are two things that seem to cause great panics.  I remember reading an article for the 100th anniversary of World War I (the article was from England) that advised not allowing school children to handle helmets (they have asbestos pads) and gas masks during the celebration.  The article also advised the removal of all asbestos from helmets and gas masks (which would ultimately ruin said artifacts).  There are companies that can do this but (after dealing with asbestos abatement in construction projects) is extremely expensive!

Just my two cents...

Steve