Decontamination methods of N95 respirators contaminated with SARS-CoV-2
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2021
Abstract
In the preparation and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly the face mask, is essential. Shortage of PPE due to growing demand leaves health workers at significant risk as they fight this pandemic on the frontline. As a mitigation measure to overcome potential mask shortages, these masks could be decontaminated and prepared for reuse. This review explored past scientific research on various methods of decontamination of the N95-type respirators and their efficiency against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) show great potential as an effective decontamination system. In addition, UVGI and HPV exhibit excellent effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the N95 respirator surfaces.
Keywords
Decontamination, N95 respirators, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), Hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV), Heat, Microwave-generated steam (MGS), Ethanol
Divisions
Dentistry,fac_eng,fac_med
Funders
AUN/SEED-Net (UMSPRAC 2101)
Publication Title
Sustainability
Volume
13
Issue
22
Publisher
MDPI
Publisher Location
ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND