Tuesday, February 23, 2021
In response to industry and consumer demand created by the COVID-19 pandemic, ASTM International (ASTM) has released a new voluntary standard for the design, labeling, testing, and performance of face coverings. The new standard, ASTM F3502-21, is the first voluntary standard directed at face coverings and “is intended to establish a national baseline” to allow consumers to make more informed decisions about the face covering products they use.
ASTM F3502-21 specifies several test procedures designed to measure sub-micron particulate filtration efficiency, airflow resistance, and leakage. Importantly, the standard requires that all tests be performed by a laboratory accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 to perform the tests. The standard further specifies design requirements, including that face coverings should be made with “non-irritating” and “non-toxic” materials and should not pose a flammability hazard.