Most mask certifications only test the filter material. ASTM F3502-21 is different — it grades filtration efficiency and air flow resistance on the whole mask, on two levels each. AirPop is Level 2 for filtration at above 97% and Level 1 for air flow resistance.
Certified air protection is the Protect pillar of the AirPop Breathing System.
ASTM F3502-21 is a performance standard for barrier face coverings published by ASTM International in 2021. It was developed by ASTM Committee F23 on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment to fill a gap: before this standard, no US benchmark existed specifically for consumer-grade reusable face coverings.
The standard grades two properties independently, each on two levels: sub-micron particle filtration efficiency (Level 1 ≥20%, Level 2 ≥50%) and inhalation air flow resistance (Level 1 ≤15 mm H₂O, Level 2 ≤5 mm H₂O). AirPop Light SE is Level 2 for filtration, clearing the 50% floor by a wide margin at above 97%, and Level 1 for air flow resistance at 8 mm H₂O.
What makes ASTM F3502-21 unique among mask standards is its dual focus on filtration and fit. A filter that captures 99% of particles does little good if air bypasses it through gaps around the nose, cheeks, or chin. ASTM F3502-21 evaluates total inward leakage, not just media efficiency.
Different standards test different things. Here is how ASTM F3502-21 stacks up against the certifications you see on mask packaging.
| Standard | Region | Tests Filtration | Tests Fit/Leakage | Consumer Use | AirPop Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM F3502-21 | US | Yes | Yes | Yes | Certified (Intertek) |
| NIOSH N95 | US | Yes | Yes | No | Not certified |
| KN95 (GB2626) | China | Yes | No | Yes | Tested (SGS, 2023) |
| CE FFP2 (EN 149) | EU | Yes | Yes | No | Not certified |
| AFNOR S76-001 (BSI) | UK | Yes | No | Yes | Type-tested (BSI, 2020) |
| Cloth mask | N/A | No | No | Yes | N/A |
ASTM F3502-21 is a US standard published by ASTM International that establishes minimum performance requirements for barrier face coverings. Unlike most mask standards, it tests both particle filtration efficiency (PFE) and breathability — ensuring masks actually protect while remaining comfortable to wear.
ASTM F3502-21 grades barrier face coverings on two axes, each with two levels: sub-micron particle filtration efficiency (Level 1 ≥20%, Level 2 ≥50%) and air flow resistance (Level 1 ≤15 mm H₂O, Level 2 ≤5 mm H₂O). The two axes are assessed independently, so the product report states a level for each. AirPop Light SE is Level 2 for filtration, testing above 97% PFE, and Level 1 for air flow resistance.
N95 (NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84) and KN95 (GB2626-2019) are industrial respiratory protection standards designed for occupational use. ASTM F3502-21 is specifically designed for consumer barrier face coverings used in everyday settings — workplaces, transit, schools, travel. It tests fit and filtration together, not just filtration alone.
ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) published this standard in 2021. The standard was developed by ASTM Committee F23 on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment in response to the need for a consumer-grade face covering performance benchmark.
Yes. ASTM F3502-21 is one of the few consumer mask standards that evaluates both filtration performance AND leakage. A mask can filter 99% of particles through the media, but if air leaks around the edges, real-world protection drops significantly. AirPop addresses this with its patented 360° Seal technology.
Look for the ASTM F3502-21 designation on the product packaging or manufacturer website. Legitimate certifications are backed by third-party testing from accredited labs such as Intertek, SGS, or Nelson Labs. AirPop test reports are available upon request from hello@getairpop.com.
ASTM F3502-21 is referenced by NIOSH and CDC as a performance benchmark for barrier face coverings. While it does not replace NIOSH-approved N95 respirators for healthcare settings, it is the recommended standard for workplace and community use where N95 is not required.
The standard does not mandate single-use or reuse. However, many ASTM F3502-21 certified products, including AirPop, are designed for reuse. AirPop masks maintain >97% PFE after 10 cleaning cycles with a 70% alcohol wipe, verified by Intertek (report 104653485CRT-002).
AirPop Light SE is certified to ASTM F3502-21 per Intertek report 104653485CRT-002: Level 2 for sub-micron particle filtration efficiency, at >97% when new and after 10 cleaning cycles with a 70% alcohol wipe (the Level 2 floor is 50%), and Level 1 for air flow resistance, at 8 mm H₂O against a 15 mm H₂O limit. Light SE is also tested to KN95 (GB2626-2019) filter efficiency by SGS and type-tested to AFNOR SPEC S76-001 by BSI. Test reports are available on request.
AirPop ASTM F3502-21 certified masks are available at Target, Amazon, and through AirPop wholesale partners. For bulk or institutional orders, visit getairpop.com/wholesale or contact hello@getairpop.com.
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AirPop provides test reports from Intertek, SGS and BSI on request. Available for retail buyers, procurement teams, and regulatory review.
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