As Americans carry nearly a full year of face coverage to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, a technical standards organization has published the first national standard for consumer face masks, CNN reports.
The American Association of Testing and Materials’ new standards cover things like minimum requirements for fit, design, performance and testing for face masks, CNN noted. It also requires user instructions, package labels and a permanent label.
“This standard provides value by specifying the minimum requirements for design, performance and testing, and comparing end-user products where current guidelines are limited,” according to the approved ASTM standard.
To receive certification, masks must be tested in accredited laboratories, registered and using the proper labeling system set out by ASTM.
Labels must show two testing criteria: respiration and filtration efficiency. Filtration usually makes breathing more difficult.
According to the guidelines, a level one design will filter at least 20% of particles, but it will breathe easier.
A level two certification will filter at least 50% of particles but allow less respiration.
Ventilations, valves or any other devices that allow unfiltered air to pass through the mask are not permitted according to the standards.
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