Assessing the impact of multiple ultraviolet disinfection cycles on N95 filtering facepiece respirator integrity.

ABSTRACT: During the COVID-19 pandemic, N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) were recommended to protect healthcare workers when providing care to infected patients. Despite their single-use disposable nature, the need to disinfect and repurpose FFRs is paramount during this global emergency. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine if UV treatment has an observable impact on respirator integrity; (2) test the impact of UV treatment on N95 FFR user fit; and (3) test the impact of UV treatment on FFR integrity. Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection was assessed in maintaining N95 FFR integrity. Two models of FFRs were exposed to UV fluences ranging from 0 to 10,000 mJ cm^-2 per side and subsequently tested for fit, respirator integrity, and airflow. Inspection of N95 FFRs before and

SUBMITTER: Ontiveros CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8192506 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature