ISO Testing:

ISO test methods are standardized procedures developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for determining the properties and evaluating the performance of materials, products, services, and systems. These methods are internationally recognized and are designed to be reproducible and consistent, regardless of who conducts the test or where it is performed.

ISO test methods play a critical role in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficiency of products and services across the globe, fostering innovation, trade, and consumer protection. ARE Labs can help with certain ISO testing as it relates to air filtration as well as contact testing with bioaerosols. Some of the ISO Standards we have extensive experience with include:

• ISO 29463: High-Efficiency Filters and Filter Media for Removing Particles in Air (Parts 1-5).

• ISO 22196 (Measurement of Antibacterial Activity on Plastic Surfaces)

• ISO 22196 (Modified for Viruses)

• ISO 27447 (Test for Antimicrobial Activity of Photocatalytic Materials)

• ISO 11737-1: Sterilization of health-care products - Microbiological methods - Part 2: Tests of sterility performed in the validation of a sterilization process

• ISO 11737-2: Part 2 of ISO 11737 provides guidance on performing a test of sterility as part of the validation of a sterilization process.

• ISO 14937: Sterilization of health-care products - General requirements for characterization of a sterilizing agent and the development, validation, and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices

ASTM Testing:

ASTM standards are a set of globally recognized guidelines and procedures developed by ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials. These standards are designed to ensure the quality, safety, performance, and regulatory compliance of materials, products, systems, and services across a wide range of industries and sectors. ASTM standards play a crucial role in ensuring quality and safety, driving innovation, and facilitating global trade and interoperability across industries. ARE Labs has extensive experience with various ASTM test methods including:

• ASTM E1428: Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Performance of Antimicrobials in or on Polymeric Solids Against Staining by Streptoverticillium reticulum

• ASTM E2149: Standard Test Method for Determining the Antimicrobial Activity of Immobilized Antimicrobial Agents Under Dynamic Contact Conditions

• ASTM E2180: Standard test Method for Determining the Activity of Incoporated Antimicrobial Agents in Polymeric or Hydrophobic Materials

• ASTM D3273: Resistance to Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber

• ASTM E1428: Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Performance of Antimicrobials in or on Polymeric Solids Against Staining by Streptoverticillium reticulum

• ASTM G21: Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi

• ASTM D5116-17: Standard Guide for Small-Scale Environmental Chamber Determinations of Organic Emissions from Indoor Materials/Products

• ASTM D6670-01: Standard Practice for Full-Scale Chamber Determination of Volatile Organic Emissions from Indoor Materials/Products

• ASTM F1471-09: Standard Test Method for Air Cleaning Performance of a High-Efficiency Particulate Air-Filter System

ASHRAE Testing:

ASHRAE standards are technical guidelines and best practices developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Although ASHRAE testing is generally not required by regulatory bodies, ASHRAE test standards are widely accepted and useful for marketing and validation of the effectiveness of certain devices. ARE Labs can assist with ASHRAE testing applicable to air purification systems such as:

• ASHRAE Standard 52.2: Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size: This standard establishes a test method for evaluating the performance of air-cleaning devices. It specifically measures the efficiency of filters in capturing particles of different sizes, which is crucial for air purifiers.

• ASHRAE Standard 241: Control of Infectious Aerosols: Control of Infectious Aerosols, establishes minimum requirements aimed at reducing the risk of disease transmission through exposure to infectious aerosols in new buildings, existing buildings, and major renovations. The implementation of this standard brings numerous benefits to occupants and promotes healthier environments.

• ASHRAE 185.3: Method of Testing Commercial and Industrial In-Room Air-Cleaning Devices and Systems for Microorganism Bioaerosol Removal or Inactivation in a Test Chamber: This standard establishes a test method for evaluating commercial and industrial in-room air-cleaning devices and systems for microorganism bioaerosol removal or inactivation in a test chamber.

AHAM Testing:

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) develops test standards for various home appliances to ensure their quality, performance, and safety. These standards are widely recognized and often used by appliance manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and consumers to evaluate and compare home appliances. Certain AHAM test methods are used for the determination of efficacy in room air purifiers which are considered a home appliance. Although AHAM testing is generally not required by regulatory bodies, AHAM certification can be helpful in the marketing of an air purification device. Some of the AHAM testing which is relevant to air purification devices include:

• AHAM AC-1-2015: Method for Measuring Performance of Portable Household Electric Room Air Cleaners: This is the most recognized standard by AHAM for air purifiers. It outlines the method for measuring the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of portable household electric room air cleaners. CADR indicates the volume of filtered air an air purifier delivers, with separate scores for tobacco smoke, dust, and pollen.

• AHAM AC-2-2020: Method for Measuring Performance of Portable Household Electric Room Air Cleaners Following Accelerated Particulate Loading: AC-2-2020 is an extension of AC-1, focusing on how well air purifiers perform after being subjected to accelerated particulate loading. This standard helps in understanding the long-term efficacy of air purifiers in environments with high particulate matter.

• AHAM AC-3-2020: Method for Measuring Performance of Portable Household Electric Room Air Cleaners for the Removal of Gaseous Pollutants: AC-3-2020 is a more recent standard that measures the performance of air purifiers in removing gaseous pollutants, like VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), from indoor air. This standard is important as it addresses the non-particulate aspect of air purification.

• AHAM AC-4-2020: Method for Measuring the Performance of Portable Household Electric Room Air Cleaners for the Reduction of Microbials in Air: This standard focuses on the ability of air purifiers to reduce microbial contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and mold spores in the air, which is increasingly important for health and hygiene in indoor environments.

• AHAM AC-5-2023 (Bioaerosols) Method for Assessing the Reduction Rate of Key Bioaerosols by Portable Air Cleaners Using an Aerobiology Test Chamber: This test method is designed to evaluate the capability of portable household air cleaners to reduce the concentration and viability of key experimentally-generated bioaerosols in a specified chamber.