N95 respirator decontamination: a study in reusability.

ABSTRACT: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had caused a severe depletion of the worldwide supply of N95 respirators. The development of methods to effectively decontaminate N95 respirators while maintaining their integrity is crucial for respirator regeneration and reuse. In this study, we systematically evaluated five respirator decontamination methods using vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) or ultraviolet (254 nm wavelength, UVC) radiation. Through testing the bioburden, filtration, fluid resistance, and fit (shape) of the decontaminated respirators, we found that the decontamination methods using BioQuell VHP, custom VHP container, Steris VHP, and Sterrad VHP effectively inactivated Cardiovirus (3-log₁₀ reduction) and bacteria (6-log₁₀ reduction) without comp

SUBMITTER: Wang CG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8220445 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature