The American Association of Textile
Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has released a draft guidance document relating
to textile face coverings. This is believed to be the first document of its
kind for North American markets.
Released on June 1, 2020, AATCC Monograph
“AATCC MXXX 2020 Guidance and Considerations for General Purpose Textile Face
Coverings: Adult” contains voluntary guidance and practical considerations
relating to:
- Regulations – including US Center for Disease Control’s COVID-19 recommendations
- Fit and sizing
- Materials and construction
- Particle filtration
- Breathing resistance
- Laundering and service life
- Tie and ear loop
- Product
labeling and marking
The aim of the document is to help
manufacturers efficiently design and produce general purpose (non-medical) face
coverings. One of the primary considerations is washing and drying instructions
and so it contains information to help manufacturers decide on:
- Care instructions
- Service life – maximum number of washes before a mask should be
replaced
The draft guidance document also
recommends protective performance standards. Face coverings should retain a
minimum particle filtration of 70% (@ 3-micron) and a maximum breathing
resistance as specified by the selected method.
Development of the draft guidance was initiated
by SGS, with an ad-hoc task group comprising the AATCC, North Carolina State
University and other industry experts in textile research, manufacturing,
filtration, safety and standardization.
AATCC was founded in 1921 as a technical and scientific society.
It now has members from around 60 countries, representing a broad spectrum of expertise in textile research,
manufacturing, design and marketing. Its primary objectives are education,
technical applications and research, and communication.
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