As Americans almost a year using facial coatings to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, a technical standards organization published the first national standard for consumer face masks, reports CNN.
The new standards of the American Society for Testing and Material cover items such as minimal fit, design, performance and testing requirements for face masks, noted CNN. They would also require user instructions, packaging labeling and a permanent tag.
“This standard adds value by specifying minimum design, performance and testing requirements and allowing product comparison by end users where current guidelines have been limited,” according to the approved ASTM standard.
To receive certification, masks must be tested in accredited, registered laboratories and use the appropriate labeling system described by ASTM.
The labels must show two test criteria: breathability and filtration efficiency. Filtration usually makes breathability more difficult.
According to the guidelines, a Level One project would filter at least 20% of the particles, but would have an easier breathability.
A Level Two certification would filter at least 50% of the particles, but allow less breathability.
Fans, valves or any other devices that allow unfiltered air to pass through the mask are not allowed by standards.
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