Anthrax found in Florida

[James B. DiGriz]

David Honig wrote:

> At 03:03 PM 10/5/01 -0700, Tim May wrote:
> 
>>On Friday, October 5, 2001, at 02:39 PM, James B. DiGriz wrote:
>>
>>>Still don't feel the need for a gas mask.
>>>
>>>
>>Nor should you. They won't work for the obvious reasons, oft-discussed.
>>
>>
> 
> They can be useful.  Sarin, being volitile (gone in half an hour) mostly
> causes injury via inhalation.  VX, being nonvolitile (2 weeks), causes
> injury mostly by contact.  
> 
> The Israelis *also* sealed a room, and would sit in
> that room with masks on.  Since buildings exchange gasses slowly with
> the outside, they could survive a cloud that dissipates.  
> 
> YMMV.
> 
> 
> 

Using masks with HEPA filters will keep the bulk of anthrax spores out 
of your airway. Probably below the 4,000-12,000 reputedly needed for 
infection, Lot better than nothing, and buys you some options.

If you have newer model vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter you could 
positively pressurize a reasonably well sealed room with filtered 
outside air for a while, or fabricate a dust hood/mask, with some poly 
and good old duct tape.

Still don't feel the need.

jbdigriz