Standardization News

Manufacturers developing treated fabrics or air filters, as well as end users who want to specify an article that performs under conditions of moisture and nutrient load, will be the primary users of new ASTM International standard E2722, Test Method for Using Seeded-Agar for the Screening Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity in Fabric and Air Filter Media.

E2722 is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee E35.15 on Antimicrobial Agents, part of ASTM International Committee E35 on Pesticides and Alternative Control Agents.

According to Daniel Price, director of microbiology, InterfaceFLOR, the development of E2722 was inspired by the need for a rapid, qualitative screening method that would allow for the assessment of antimicrobial activity of low water solubility antimicrobials that may not demonstrate the typical zone of inhibition observed in other conventional chemistries.

"This standard is pertinent to those developing a treated fabric or filter or to those wishing to assess the activity of a treated article under optimal conditions for microbial growth," says Price. "E2722 provides for a visual assessment that is easy for the layman to interpret."To purchase ASTM International standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585).

CONTACT Technical Information: Daniel Price, InterfaceFLOR • LaGrange, Ga. • Phone: 706-812-6266 • E-mail: daniel.price@interfaceglobal.com O ASTM Staff: Jennifer Rodgers • Phone: 610-832-9694 • E-mail: jrodgers@astm.org O Upcoming Meeting: October 11-14 • October Committee Week • San Antonio, Texas