Description

ASTM F3502 – Standard Specification for Barrier Face Coverings

1.1”This specification is intended to help ensure barrier face coverings meeting the stated requirements provide (1) a means of source control for individual wearers by reducing expelled aerosols from the wearer”’s nose and mouth into the air; and (2) a degree of particulate filtration that potentially reduces the amount of aerosols inhaled by the wearer.

Note 1:”The source control/protection provided by barrier face coverings depends on several factors not considered in this specification, such as material degradation from wearer challenges including perspiration, talking, sneezing, and the length of time the barrier face covering is worn. Further research is needed to expand the evidence base for the protective effect of face coverings and, in particular, to identify the combinations of materials that maximize both their blocking and filtering effectiveness, as well as fit, comfort, durability, and consumer appeal. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html.)