The Use of UVC Irradiation to Sterilize Filtering Facepiece Masks Limiting Airborne Cross-Infection

Wojciech Kierat, Weronika Augustyn, Piotr Koper, Miroslawa Pawlyta, Arkadiusz Chrusciel and Bernard Wyrwol
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Wojciech Kierat: Department of Digital Systems, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Weronika Augustyn: Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Piotr Koper: Department of Heating, Ventilation and Dust Removal Technology, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Miroslawa Pawlyta: Department of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Arkadiusz Chrusciel: MEXEO Institute of Technology, 47-225 Kedzierzyn-Kozle, Poland
Bernard Wyrwol: Department of Digital Systems, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-14

Abstract: In addition to looking for effective drugs and a vaccine, which are necessary to save and protect human health, it is also important to limit, or at least to slow, the spread of coronavirus. One important element in this action is the use of individual protective devices such as filtering facepiece masks. Currently, masks that use a mechanical filter, such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, are often used. In some countries that do not have a well-developed healthcare system or in exceptional situations, there is a real and pressing need to restore filters for reuse. This article presents technical details for a very simple device for sterilization, including of HEPA polymer filters. The results of biological and microscopic tests confirming the effectiveness of the sterilization performed in the device are presented. The compact and portable design of the device also allows its use to disinfect other small surfaces, for example a small fragment of a floor, table, or bed.

Keywords: ultraviolet germicidal irradiation; UVGI; HEPA filter sterilization; SARS-CoV-2 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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