Cloth Mask Test: Protective, Breathability and Safety Assessment

Medical Mask or Cloth Mask? Which One Should Be Preferred? What are Cloth Mask Tests?

The mandatory use of masks has caused people to turn to different options. Recently, the use of cloth masks has increased as well as the use of medical masks. As the use of masks in different patterns and colors has increased, it has started to be questioned how protective cloth masks are.

What is a Cloth Mask?

Cloth masks are common personal protective equipment used especially to prevent the spread of pandemics and respiratory diseases. Cloth mask testing is a vital process to assess whether these masks are adequate in terms of protection, breathability and safety.

How Much Does a Cloth Mask Protect? Should It Be Preferred?

Experts report that cloth masks can reduce the likelihood of droplet transmission of the virus in situations such as sneezing, coughing and talking in daily use, but depending on the structure of the fabric, it cannot prevent the virus from being taken from outside.

In addition to the virucidal inhibitory properties of cloth masks, some tests and analyzes are carried out due to prolonged contact with the skin.

Tests generally performed on cloth masks;

• Determination of Disperse and Carcinogenic Dyestuffs
• Determination of Reducing Aromatic Amines from Azo Dyes
• Latex Free Determination
• Paraben Free Determination
• Nylon Free Determination
• Determination of Chlorine Free

These tests are especially important to ensure that the chemicals contained in cloth masks do not cause various allergenic effects on the skin. Apart from allergenic effects, it should not contain substances with known carcinogenic effects such as aromatic amines and parabens.

Methods Used in Cloth Mask Tests

1. ISO 14683: Bacterial Filtration Efficiency Test Used to measure the filtration capacity of the mask under test.
• Criteria: BFE above 95% is targeted for medical grade masks.
2. EN 149: Respiratory Protective Masks Test Standard: Particle filtration efficiency is evaluated according to mask types (FFP1, FFP2, FFP3). PFE is usually evaluated in cloth masks.
3. ASTM F2100: Performance Tests of Medical Masks: Evaluates the properties of masks such as filtration efficiency, breathability and fluid resistance.
4. ISO 9237: Air Permeability Test: The air permeability of the fabric is evaluated to measure the breathability of the mask.
5. ISO 10993: Biocompatibility Tests: Covers tests for suitability for skin contact, irritation and toxicity.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Cloth Mask Testing. We also provide services in Medical Product Testing.

Contact us for more information.

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