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

Publication Title

Sustainability

Divisions

Dentistry,fac_eng,fac_med

Funders

AUN/SEED-Net (UMSPRAC 2101)

Volume

13

Issue

22

Publisher

MDPI

Publisher Location

ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND

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