ANSI COVID-19 Member Update: CDC Updates Guidance on Masks that Meet a Standard

The ANSI Federation and standardization community are stepping up with guidance, resources, and initiatives to support public health and safety and the nation's recovery. Suggestions for news items may be submitted to [email protected]. All submissions are published at ANSI's discretion.

CDC Updates Sections on Masks that Meet a Standard

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that it has made updates to its guidance on "masks that meet a standard," in addition to minor updates to its guidance on cloth masks and disposable masks.

As the CDC notes, some masks are designed and tested to ensure they perform at a consistent level, and these masks are labeled to identify the requirements they meet. The CDC advises to wear masks labeled as:

• Meets ASTM F3502
• Meets Workplace Performance
• Meets Workplace Performance Plus

Lists of masks that meet standards, and more information on their availability can be found on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Personal Protective Equipment Info (PPE-INFO) webpage.

Access additional information on other CDC updates, including:

• an added section about respirators that meet international standards (e.g., KN95s);

• added considerations for use of NIOSH-approved respirators because the availability of NIOSH-approved N95 respirators has increased significantly over the last several months;
• an added section on alternative masks for special situations;
• an updated section on “Choosing a Mask or Respirator for Different Situations;” and
• an added section on considerations when selecting a mask or respirator for children.

See more ANSI member efforts in the ANSI COVID-19 Resource Webpage Highlighting Standardization Community Response.