Decontamination Methods of N95 Respirators Contaminated with SARS-CoV-2

Thirumaaran Gopalan,Nor Shafina Mohamed Nazari,Mohd Ridha Muhamad,Rabi’Atul ‘Adawiyah Mohd Yatim,Jacob John,N Awanis Hashim,Victor Chee Wai Hoe

doi:10.3390/su132212474

Thirumaaran Gopalan, Nor Shafina Mohamed Nazari + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212474

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Nov 11, 2021
Citations: 3	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Malaya

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.

Highlights

Studies were selected for evaluation based on specified inclusion criteria: (a) studies reporting at least one of the selected N95 respirator decontamination procedures for this review (UVGI or Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor (HPV) or heat or Microwave Generated Steam (MGS) or ethanol); (b) studies reporting at least one of the selected N95 respirator decontamination outcomes
The range of treatment time reported in this study provides a solid foundation for an HPV-based decontamination system design
N95 respirator decontamination procedures other than the methods selected for this review (UVGI or HPV or heat or MGS or ethanol) are highlighted based on their potential as a low-cost and accessible method

Summary

Introduction

According to the WHO, COVID-19 human cases, which are caused by a novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, were first reported in Wuhan City, China, in December 2019 [1]. Due to this unprecedented pandemic, the demand for face mask respirators has surged significantly. The WHO predicted that mask manufacturing industries need to increase manufacturing by 40 percent to meet the demand [2]. Frontline workers rely solely on PPE, especially N95 respirators, to protect themselves from being infected and infecting others. The N95 respirators should be disposed of after a sole patient visit, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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