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Ad-hoc group provides face masks manufacturing guidance

10 Jun '20
1 min read
Pic: Shutterstock
Pic: Shutterstock

AATCC, a not-for-profit association serving textile professionals, has announced that in response to the situation where face coverings are recommended in many areas, but quality and performance vary widely, an ad-hoc group of industry stakeholders convened to provide much-needed guidance. This guidance is voluntary and for non-medical face coverings.
 
The association said that there is little guidance for manufacturing or selecting face coverings for general use.
 
Surgical masks, respirators, and other medical personal protective equipment (PPE) are not addressed in the face covering guidance; these items are regulated by separate standards and requirements. 
 
The ad hoc group, including experts in textiles, manufacturing, filtration, safety, and testing, met throughout April and May 2020 to develop a draft document. That document was then submitted to AATCC for ballot and eventual publication.
 
The draft guidance is currently being balloted as an AATCC monograph, with results expected by early July. 
 
Considerations included in the draft are intended to help manufacturers more efficiently design and produce face coverings for general purpose (non-medical) use. It may also serve as a useful resource for those sourcing face coverings for general use. 

ALCHEMPro News Desk (JL)

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