How long will a NBC air filter work once in use?

It depends upon the mask model, filter model and the environment.

for M17, M17A1, and M17A2 masks TM 3-4240-279-10 says:

2-6. FILTER ELEMENT REPLACEMENT CRITERIA (CONT).
a. Combat zone, rapid deployment assignment (24 hours or less), and
special mission (e.g., explosive ordnance disposal, technical escort, chemical or nuclear
accident response teams, surety sites) units replace filter elements if one or more of the
following conditions exist:
(1) See table on following page for peacetime filter element replacement intervals,
by climate, for the above type units only.
(2) Filter elements have been immersed in water.
(3) Filter elements have splits or cuts in filter or edge seaI, or a bent or split
connector.
(4) Filter elements have been crushed.
(5) You feel excessive resistance to breathing, and inspection shows that the filter
elements are clogged.
(6) Unit maintenance informs you that the filter element has been reported as
unserviceable in SB 3-30-2.
(7) Unit Commander directs replacement of filter elements.
(8) Every 30 days after exposure to toxic agents and after each confirmed
attack with blood agents.
2-54 Change 1
TM 3-4240-279-10
(9) in an area where no chemical attacks have occurred, and there is a blood agent threat,
replace filters in accordance with the table below:

M13A2 FlLTER ELEMENTS REPLACEMENT INTERVALS BY CL/MATE
Climate Replacement Intervals (Weeks)*
Hot Humid 10
Hot Dry 39
Warm Moderate 52
Cold Humid 52

*Filter elements that exceed these intervals remain serviceable for training only.
(10) In an area where no chemical attacks have occurred, and no blood agent threat exists, replace the filter annually.
b . For all other units not defined in step a replace filter elements if one or more of the following
conditions exist:
(1) Upon notification of deployment into a combat zone.
(2) Same as step a.(2) thru a.(10)

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How long will a NBC air filter work once in use?