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

Thirumaaran Gopalan, Rabi’atul ‘Adawiyah Mohd Yatim, Mohd Ridha Muhamad, Nor Shafina Mohamed Nazari, N. Awanis Hashim, Jacob John and Victor Chee Wai Hoe
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Thirumaaran Gopalan: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Rabi’atul ‘Adawiyah Mohd Yatim: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Mohd Ridha Muhamad: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Nor Shafina Mohamed Nazari: Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
N. Awanis Hashim: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Jacob John: Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Victor Chee Wai Hoe: Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 22, 1-21

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 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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