Karen McIntyre, editor02.25.21
ASTM International has released its Standard Specification for Barrier Coverings, a set of best practices for manufacturing face masks. The voluntary standard-setting organization is more specific than current, more general guidelines like recommendations offered by the Centers for Disease Control. Coverings that meet the ASTM’s criteria will be able to be labeled as meeting ASTM F3502.
The standard was developed by ASTM’s F23 committee on personal protective clothing and equipment. Masks that conform to the new F3502 standard are not intended for use as medical procedure masks for source control or respirators for worker protection.
“Members of the committee worked together to reach a consensus and address the gap that exists for barrier face coverings that are neither a respirator nor a surgical mask,” ASTM International President Kathie Morgan said in statement. “The standard helps to benchmark products and will inform consumers when selecting face coverings for their intended use.”
Previously, standards related to face coverings applied only to those used in healthcare settings like surgical masks and N95
The standard was developed by ASTM’s F23 committee on personal protective clothing and equipment. Masks that conform to the new F3502 standard are not intended for use as medical procedure masks for source control or respirators for worker protection.
“Members of the committee worked together to reach a consensus and address the gap that exists for barrier face coverings that are neither a respirator nor a surgical mask,” ASTM International President Kathie Morgan said in statement. “The standard helps to benchmark products and will inform consumers when selecting face coverings for their intended use.”
Previously, standards related to face coverings applied only to those used in healthcare settings like surgical masks and N95
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