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ASTM Releases New Voluntary Safety and Performance Standard for Face Coverings

 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.

The standard also describes labeling and use/care instruction requirements.  Face coverings compliant with the standard will be labeled as “MEETS ASTM F3502”, and product packaging will include information identifying the manufacturer and materials used to construct the product.  If applicable, product packaging will also include re-use and cleaning instructions.  Written instructions will also accompany compliant products and will specify sizing information, how to take the face covering on and off, and how to determine when the face covering should be replaced.

Voluntary standards play a critical role in product safety, particularly when no regulations exist.  Because they standardize testing, performance, and safety aspects for products, voluntary standards hold companies to higher safety standards and increase consumer confidence in product safety.  The development of ASTM F3502-21 also illustrates how voluntary standards can often address evolving product safety needs more quickly than regulations, which can take years to develop and implement.

Please refer below link for: sub-micron particulate filtration efficiency 

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