NBC mask and why you need them for nuclear fallout.

The two types of radiation that would cause you to have to wear a gas mask are Alpha and Beta particles. Both of these types of radioactive particles are easily stopped by a gas mask.

Alpha radiation is a low energy particle that quickly loses energy as it travels from its source. It’s able to be stopped by a little more than an inch of air, a very small amount of water (.008″) and even unbroken skin.

Beta radiation is another relatively low energy particle. It’s stopped by 10′ of air, 2″ of water, a thin layer of metal or glass, and heavy clothing.

The main problem posed by Alpha an Beta particles are caused when you inhale the materials emitting it. Your skin can stop the Alpha and Beta particles when it’s outside your body, but your internal organs aren’t able to do the same thing. This allows these particles to continuously radiate your body from the inside out once you’ve inhaled them.

Here is one of many links to the type of mask you might want to look for.

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