While Americans wear face masks for nearly a full year to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, a technical standards body has published the first national standard for consumer face masks, CNN reports.
The new standards from the American Society for Testing and Material include things like minimum fit, design, performance and testing requirements for face masks, CNN noted. They would also require user instructions, package labeling, and a permanent label.
“This standard adds value by specifying minimum design, performance and testing requirements and enabling end-user comparison of products where current guidelines were limited,” says the approved ASTM standard.
To receive certification, masks must be tested in accredited laboratories, registered, and use the appropriate labeling system as outlined by ASTM.
Labels should contain two test criteria: breathability and filtration efficiency. Filtration usually makes breathing more difficult.
According to the guidelines, a Level One design would filter at least 20% of the particles, but it would breathe more easily.
A Level 2 certification filters at least 50% of the particles, but ensures less breathability.
Openings, valves, or other devices that allow unfiltered air to flow through the mask are not permitted by the standards.
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