Global standards organisation ASTM International is providing no-cost public access to a suite of 2 dozen important standards used in production and testing of personal protective equipment to combat COVID-19 (coronavirus) public health emergency. The standards cover personal protective equipment including face masks, medical gowns, glove and hand sanitizers.

"ASTM International is committed to supporting healthcare providers, manufacturers, labs, and others in their efforts to address this global pandemic,” said Katharine Morgan, ASTM International president. "Providing access to these standards at no cost will help companies manufacturing these products to understand necessary safety, quality and performance requirements, helping our world work better."

The suite of available standards include test methods, performance specifications, and terminology. They were developed and maintained by ASTM International's committees on personal protective clothing and equipment (F23), textiles (D13), rubber (D11), pesticides, antimicrobials, and alternative control agents (E35), and medical and surgical devices and materials (F04), and are available for public access.

Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life.