Blackbriar Regulatory Services (BRS) is currently a proud manufacturer of ASTM F2100 Level 1 Face Masks. What does this mean exactly? ASTM F2100 is an FDA accepted standard the guarantees certain performance from the protective equipment. Specifically, it shows that our product has a Bacteria Filtration Efficiency (BFE) and Particle Filtration Efficiency that is greater than or equal to 95%; if particles or bacteria were being pushed through our mask, at least 95% would be filtered. Additionally, it guarantees that fluids being sprayed on the mask will not penetrate the mask, and that the user is able to breath easily. ASTM recently released a new standard called ASTM F3502 that is specific for “barrier face coverings.” What does this new standard entail and how does the BRS Consumer Level 1 Face Mask compare to this new standard?
ASTM F3502 is a non-FDA recognized standard that outlines performance testing requirements and labeling requirements meant to show that any type of face covering can offer the user a certain level of protection. These face coverings, dubbed “barrier face coverings” by the standard, can include traditional face masks such as the BRS Consumer Level 1 Face Mask, cloth masks, reusable cloth masks, etc. The performance standards needed to meet the ASTM F3502 standard are much less demanding than the standards for ASTM F2100 Level 1, as seen in the chart below. Though one mask can be ASTM approved, it is important to look at the standard being utilized to help assure an optimal level of protection is being offered to the user.
