Battelle began testing on a fifth round of materials on 29 August, 2020. For Test 5, four fabrics and leather bookbinding were selected for Battelle lab testing to examine the length of time the COVID-19 virus may live on materials commonly used in archives, libraries, and museums.
The nylon webbing was provided by the American Museum of Natural History and the leather bookbinding was provided through private donation. The other materials were procured as samples from vendors.
The items include:
- Polyolefin (upholstery)
- Polyvinyl chloride “vinyl” (upholstery)
- 100% cotton (upholstery, draperies, toys)
- Nylon webbing (stanchion belts, bags, ropes)
- Leather bookbinding
The results of Test 5 are expected to be released in early October.