A mask is a hygiene and epidemic prevention product, generally referring to an item worn over the mouth and nose to filter incoming air, thereby blocking harmful gases, odors, droplets, viruses, and other substances. It is typically made from materials such as gauze or paper. Currently, masks are categorized into medical masks, non-medical masks, and (the newly defined) civilian hygiene masks. So, let's explore how mask testing is conducted and what the mask testing standards are.

Civilian Protective Mask Testing Standards:

GB/T 32610—2016 "Technical Specification for Daily Protective Masks"
Specifies the classification, styles, technical requirements, test methods, inspection rules, marking, and packaging of daily protective masks. The GB/T 32610-2016 standard applies to protective masks worn in daily life to filter particulate matter in polluted air environments.

According to GB/T 32610-2016 requirements, protective masks are classified into four levels: A, B, C, and D. Level A is suitable for extremely polluted air with a protection efficiency of at least 90%; Level B is suitable for severely polluted air with a protection efficiency of at least 85%; Level C is suitable for moderately polluted air with a protection efficiency of at least 75%; and Level D masks are suitable for mildly polluted air with a protection efficiency of at least 65%.

GB 2626—2006 "Respiratory Protective Equipment—Self-priming Filtering Particle Respirators"
Primarily applicable for particulate matter protection, this standard played a crucial role in epidemic prevention and control. However, barrier-type masks (primarily flat masks) widely used during the resumption of work and production cannot meet the requirements of the above two standards.

This standard applies to general self-priming filtering respiratory protective equipment for various particulate matters, typically masks. It is not suitable for specialized environments (e.g., hypoxic environments, underwater operations, etc.).

In terms of particulate matter definition, this standard defines various forms of particulate matter, including dust, smoke, mist, and microorganisms, but does not specify particle size.

GB 2626-2006 also includes general requirements, appearance inspection, leakage, breathing resistance, exhalation valve, dead space, field of vision, headbands, connections and connecting components, lenses, airtightness, flammability, cleaning and disinfection, information provided by the manufacturer, packaging, and other technical requirements.

Medical Field Mask Testing Standards:

GB 19083—2010 "Technical Requirements for Medical Protective Masks"
This standard specifies the technical requirements, test methods, marking and instructions for use, packaging, transportation, and storage of medical protective masks. The GB 19083-2010 standard applies to self-priming filtering medical protective masks used in medical work environments to filter airborne particulate matter and block droplets, blood, bodily fluids, secretions, etc.

The GB 19083-2010 standard is primarily referenced against the U.S. NIOSH 42 CFR-84. However, since it is only applicable to medical environments without oily particulate matter contamination, the filtration medium used in this standard is non-oily NaCl aerosol, with air flow controlled at (85±2) L/min and particle size controlled at (0.075±0.020) μm.

YY 0469—2011 "Medical Surgical Masks"
This standard specifies the technical requirements, test methods, marking and instructions for use, packaging, transportation, and storage of medical surgical masks (hereinafter referred to as masks).

This standard applies to disposable masks worn by clinical medical staff during invasive procedures, etc.

Testing items under the YY 0469-2011 standard include appearance, structure and dimensions, nose clip, mask straps, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic streptococcus, total fungal count, total bacterial count, ethylene oxide residue, and labeling.

YY/T 0969—2013 "Single-Use Medical Masks"
Mainly applicable in medical institutions and settings.

This standard is primarily used to evaluate the performance of materials or certain structures used in medical face masks. It does not evaluate the design, structure, interface, or other factors that may affect the overall protective capability (such as filtration efficiency and pressure drop) of medical face masks.

YY/T 0691-2008 "Test Method for Synthetic Blood Penetration Resistance of Medical Face Masks (Fixed Volume, Horizontal Projection)" provides a laboratory test method for evaluating the synthetic blood splash penetration resistance of medical face masks. This test does not evaluate the breathability or other properties affecting the respiratory comfort of medical face masks. It assesses the protective performance of medical face masks and does not evaluate their protective capability against airborne transmission or aerosol penetration formed by bodily fluids deposited on the mask surface.

Test Sample Quantities:
GB/T 32610: At least 60 samples
GB 19083 / YY 0469 / YY/T 0969: At least 40 samples