Rapid Review of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 Viability, Susceptibility to Treatment, and the Disinfection and Reuse of PPE, Particularly Filtering Facepiece Respirators

José G. B. Derraik, William A. Anderson, Elizabeth A. Connelly and Yvonne C. Anderson
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José G. B. Derraik: Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
William A. Anderson: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Elizabeth A. Connelly: Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Taranaki District Health Board, New Plymouth 4310, New Zealand
Yvonne C. Anderson: Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-31

Abstract: In the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, hospitals are often stretched beyond capacity. There are widespread reports of dwindling supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly N95-type filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), which are paramount to protect frontline medical/nursing staff, and to minimize further spread of the virus. We carried out a rapid review to summarize the existing literature on the viability of SARS-CoV-2, the efficacy of key potential disinfection procedures against the virus (specifically ultraviolet light and heat), and the impact of these procedures on FFR performance, material integrity, and/or fit. In light of the recent discovery of SARS-CoV-2 and limited associated research, our review also focused on the closely related SARS-CoV-1. We propose a possible whole-of-PPE disinfection solution for potential reuse that could be rapidly instituted in many health care settings, without significant investments in equipment.

Keywords: coronavirus; COVID-19; decontamination; disinfection; filtering facepiece respirators; heat; N95; personal protective equipment; reuse; SARS-CoV-1; SARS-CoV-2; viability; temperature; ultraviolet light; UVC (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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