U.S. – AATCC Publishes Monograph 14 Guidance on Textile Face Coverings for Adults

Vol. 1172 | 27 Jul 2020

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has published Monograph 14 on textile face coverings for adults. AATCC has made this document available for free due to the COVID-19 pandemic at: https://members.aatcc.org/store/m014/3085/

Reusable textile face coverings for adults described in this guidance document are intended for general-purpose (non-medical) use. They are not medical devices per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada, or personal protective equipment (PPE) as defined by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Consideration and recommendations developed by a group of industry stakeholders in the document are intended to help manufacturers more efficiently design and produce face coverings for non-medical use during the COVID-19 pandemic following the government recommendations to use a face covering in public settings.

The Monograph provides practical considerations and voluntary guidance on both product design and testing, including but not limited to:

• Fit and sizing dimensions
• Material and construction/fiber and fabric selection
• Particle filtration efficiency (PFE)
• Breathing resistance – air permeability
• Laundering and care instruction
• Tie and ear loop durability – attachment strength and elastic recovery
• Product labeling and marking, performance claims and advertising
• Regulatory consideration for U.S. and Canada

The guidance serves as a useful tool for brands and retailers developing face coverings for use in non-medical settings and are concerned about the usability and safety of these products.

For more information, please contact Dr. Stella Li (xingyu.li@intertek.com, +1- 503-351-9612), or Dr. Pratik Ichhaporia (pratik.ichhaporia@intertek.com, +1-847-212-8273).