G39-011: 2009. Properties of textiles-Textiles and polymeric materials having anti-dust mite properties-Characterisation and measurement of anti-dustmite activity.
Test not accredited in our laboratory.
There are currently several procedures for manufacturing fabrics with anti-mite properties to which an anti-mite agent is added to the polymers (manufacture of synthetic or artificial fibers), or by impregnation on the fibers, threads or fabrics.
This standard describes a general method to determine the anti-mite activity of fabrics or polymeric materials. This method can be applied when the fabric allows contact with the mites and is not applied to treatments that require a mechanical or physical action on the mites.
A control product with activity against mites (if available) and an untreated negative control product, ideally similar in constitution and structure to the product under evaluation, should be included in the test. The pieces of the two or three types of fabric are put in contact with the mites under the temperature and humidity conditions indicated by the standard (24 ± 2ºC and 75% relative humidity) for 6 weeks. After the contact time, the mites are counted to evaluate their death or survival.
The negative control fabric without anti-mite activity can be 100% white cotton without brightener and without primer, and which has been tested in the laboratory to lack anti-mite activity.
The fabric samples tested may be from a commercially available garment or from a textile or polymeric material, similar in shape and size to the untreated sample. To carry out the test, sufficient quantities of tissues must be supplied in order to obtain a sufficient number of specimens. It is recommended to provide a 0.5 m2 piece of the tissue to be evaluated and a similar dimension of the treated comparative control tissue (if available) and the negative control tissue. The samples must be sent in separate containers for each of them to avoid contact of the tissue with anti-mite activity with the untreated negative control pieces. In the event that it is desired to carry out the test with different times of exposure conditions, as many pieces of fabric must be supplied as the exposure conditions requested. Of each of the types of fabrics, 6 samples must be used per test.
The samples are infested with about 300 units of individual larvae, nymphs, adults (mobile forms) taken from the hatchery and deposited on each test specimen (between 6 and 18 specimens depending on the number of pieces to be included in the tests, as indicated). previously) distributed throughout its surface and adequately fed. The process is carried out in a first stage with three test tubes for each sample and on a different day a second stage with the three remaining test tubes, carrying out the control over 6 weeks, with observation at 48 hours, 10 days and 14 days later. inoculation, and making the final count 42 days after the start. In the final count all larvae, nymphs and adults are counted.
We are currently testing with the Carpoglyphus lactis mite species.