The MITR Evolution: from concept to FVEYs contract in 36 months

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The Canadian government has awarded Avon Protection a contract for the tactical half-mask that is revolutionising the tactical low- to mid-level respiratory threat environment: the MITR-M1 Half Mask and MITR-PF Compact Particulate Filter. The contract award marks a critical milestone for the tactical system as it continues to set new standards in the fight against long-term negative health effects for military users.

When Avon Protection introduced the MITR-M1 Half Mask in 2024, it was to a cache of users who had been largely overlooked by the CBRN protective wear market until then.

Previously, there was a significant capability gap in the tactical low to mid level threat environment for users such as Special Forces operators, law enforcement and first responders. These users don't always require a full face respirator for every mission, but they certainly need better protection than the single use masks they were previously relying on.

"What they need is a lightweight, easy to don solution they can carry in a gear pouch, something that provides 'just in case' protection during fast moving operations where low-level threats can be expected," Casey J. Galligan, Senior Director, U.S. DOW, said. "Essentially, any time an operator is putting on nitrile gloves, they should be also donning respiratory protection.

"We know that long term health is shaped by the cumulative exposure of daily training and/or operations over a long career, which is why we developed MITR-M1 to be as easy to don and comfortable to wear as possible - so that it can be viewed the same way we now view hearing protection: essential, routine and non negotiable."

This user base is faced with a range of hazardous agents in their day-to-day operations. This includes everything from low-level, non-lethal agents and particles, such as riot agents and fentanyl. Respiratory protective options for these operators have until now been largely limited to single or multi-use masks, which are primarily designed for industrial use and not the challenging and changeable conditions tactical operators face. They also offer very low protection and are difficult to integrate with other equipment being worn/used in a tactical environment.

Low burden, high effect

MITR-M1 was designed for that specific moment where a situation looks like it might be escalating and respiratory threats may become an issue. It is a lightweight (0.55lbs/250g) and low-profile half mask designed to be carried in cargo pockets or gear pouches. It gives operators a low burden, ever-ready solution that can be quickly donned in tactical and fast-evolving situations where respiratory threats may be present. It has been designed to allow users to continue to carry out their tasks without interruption: its sleek fitting left/right configurable mounted filter with a curved profile ensures compatibility with other tactical gear and, uniquely, maintains weapons sighting ability; while ensuring user comfort and maintaining optimized breathing efficiency during operations.

The MITR-M1 can be donned to a range of helmets via a magnetic quick connection which attaches to the helmet's rail. When this harness configuration is employed, the mask can be donned without the operator needing to remove their helmet. The MITR-M1 also features a chin cup which allows seamless integration with helmet chin straps enhancing user comfort.

The co-launched MITR-PF Compact Particulate Filter incorporates a low-profile, pleated media that provides 99.97% filtration efficiency against very fine dust, fumes, biological agents, and oil- and water-based mists.

Together, the MITR-M1 Half Mask and MITR-PF Compact Particulate Filter received P100 certification from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in October 2025. NIOSH's stringent testing assesses respirator filtration efficiency, breathing resistance and the product's ability to function under a variety of different environmental conditions.

The NIOSH P100 certification is directly tied to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), making it critical for user groups where approval for respirator purchasing is tied to NIOSH certification. OSHA stipulates where and when NIOSH-certified respiratory protection is legally and/or contractually required in the United States for workers in sectors such as industrial, emergency response, healthcare, or law enforcement.

The half mask has also achieved EN140 certification from CE, and the MITR-PF has achieved EN143 P3R certification from CE, which is the highest particulate certification for CE.

Scalable protection

Also in late 2025, Avon Protection launched the MITR-PG1 Powered Goggle, designed to provide ocular protection against particulates, riot agents and ballistic hazards in military, special forces and law enforcement operations. The goggle has been developed to be worn with the MITR-M1 Half Mask, providing users with a flexible full-face protection that is scalable across tactical low- to mid-level threat environments.

The low-profile, low-burden MITR-PG1 filters riot agents, such as CS/CN threats - with an integrated filter and blower system which constantly purges the air within the goggle, and provides an anti-fogging effect for the visor. This ensures that the wearer's eyes remain constantly protected against particulate hazards, and helps to ensure the visor remains clear from fogging even in extreme temperatures.

MITR-PG1 integrates seamlessly with ballistic and bump helmets via a strap system without interfering with other head-mounted systems. It is powered by a single 18650 protected cell battery that offers >8-hour operation, with LED and vibration battery status indicator allowing the operator to know the goggle's status in stealth mode. MITR-PG1 is designed to meet the requirements of ANSI Z87+ and ISO 16321-1, and can be used in an operational temperature range of -10 to 50˚C.

The ocular protection component was a major design consideration for Avon Protection from the outset.

"Even as recently as ten years ago, soldiers had little more than sunglasses for eye protection against airborne particles, along with maybe a bandana or neck gaiter," Galligan said. "Whether dealing with dust from a helicopter landing in the desert, exposure from burn pits, or unknown contaminants generated by ordnance in combat, there was no official kit solution.

"Imagine trying to do your job while grit, dust, and who knows what else, are constantly blown into your eyes - those seconds matter when you're trying to see the battlefield, acquire targets, and make split second decisions that determine life or death."

This is why scalable eye protection is such a critical part of the MITR System.

"We wanted to give users the ability to scale their protection when the situation demands it," Galligan explained. "The eyes are just as vulnerable as the nose and mouth to threats, and no matter how effective your respirator is, if your goggle isn't providing equivalent protection, the system is ultimately incomplete."

"Just as firefighters today face heightened scrutiny over chronic exposures to toxic combustion products, firearms operators are beginning to see their own occupational health risks clearly quantified. The evidence is growing; gunshot emissions damage human lung cells, induce inflammation and DNA damage, and contribute to long-term disease risk."

Long-term health effects

The long-term impact of these hazards is now becoming better understood, particularly with regards to gunshot emissions. In January 2026, a White Paper by Professor David Crouch examined the nature of hazards faced by firearms users - from frontline law enforcement officers to specialist tactical operators - and the latest scientific findings that document their impact on long term health effects.

The White Paper showed that every tactical scenario involving the discharge of a weapon produces a complex cloud of airborne contaminants. While these were previously tolerated as a necessary by-product of the job, recent studies have shown that such exposures are not benign. Far from it; they are in fact harmful, cumulative, and potentially life-changing:

These documented long-term health outcomes include chronic respiratory disease, neurological decline, cardiovascular effects, and cancer risk arising from persistent DNA strand breaks and oxidative stress in lung cells.

"These are the types of health effects we are seeing in operators later in life, which is why we designed the MITR System specifically for the reality of tactical users: lightweight and ergonomic, compatible with other tactical gear, quick don and capable of providing 99.97% filtration against oil and non-oil based particulates, including lead, copper, zinc, asbestos, biological powders and synthetic opioids," Galligan said. "Additionally, the MITR-PF filter directly addresses those most pressing hazards in firearms use - metallic particulates and aerosols - that are being proven to be among the greatest risks."

With the MITR-M1 Half Mask and MITR-PF Compact Particulate Filter now selected by a FVEYs nation, it is clear that the risk of these hazards to military operators is being taken seriously. The Government of Canada awarded Avon Protection a five-year contract in May 2026, providing a framework agreement under which the half mask and particulate filter can be ordered for the Canadian Armed Forces.

The selection of MITR-M1 by a world-class FVEY defence force is a significant win for Canadian operators who can be assured that their respiratory health is being taken seriously by those they are committed to protect.

"As a retired Green Beret, for a long time I knew we could do more to protect soldiers and now we are," Galligan said. "I am proud to work at a company that cares for its customers and is working to make a difference.

"It also means a lot to know that all the tactical users we have worked with through this development process are being listened to, and we are playing a critical role in enabling them to do their jobs and get home safely." n

For more information please visit:
https://www.avon-protection.com