What should be done immediately after exposure to blood agents for M40 mask canisters?

Immediately after exposure to blood agents, the appropriate action is to replace the canisters of the M40 mask. This is crucial because blood agents can be highly toxic and can compromise the efficacy of the protective equipment. The canisters are designed to filter out specific contaminants, and exposure to such hazardous substances can saturate or degrade their filtering capability, rendering them ineffective.

Once the canisters have been exposed to harmful agents, there is a high risk that they can no longer provide the necessary protection. Therefore, replacing the canisters ensures that the mask remains effective in safeguarding the wearer from potential harmful exposure.

Options such as sanitizing the mask or storing it securely do not address the immediate need to ensure that the filtration system is intact and capable of providing protection. Testing for effectiveness might be relevant in some situations, but it is not a practical immediate response after substantial exposure to dangerous agents. Thus, replacing canisters is the most efficient and necessary action to maintain safety and functionality after such exposure.