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

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 12474
Author(s):  
Thirumaaran Gopalan ◽  
Rabi’atul ‘Adawiyah Mohd Yatim ◽  
Mohd Ridha Muhamad ◽  
Nor Shafina Mohamed Nazari ◽  
N. Awanis Hashim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Mitigation Measure ◽  
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation ◽  
The Face ◽  
N95 Respirators ◽  
Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor

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.

scholarly journals Use, reuse or discard: quantitatively defined variance in N95 respirator integrity following vaporized hydrogen peroxide decontamination during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carly Levine ◽  
Courtney Grady ◽  
Thomas Block ◽  
Harry Hurley ◽  
Riccardo Russo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Potential Solution ◽  
Face Shape ◽  
Testing Method ◽  
Fit Testing ◽  
The Face ◽  
N95 Respirators

Background: COVID-19 has stretched the ability of many institutions to supply needed personal protective equipment, especially N95 respirators. N95 decontamination and reuse programs provide one potential solution to this problem. Unfortunately, a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of decontamination on the integrity of various N95 models using a quantitative fit test (QTFT) approach is lacking. Aims: 1) To investigate the effects of up to eight rounds of vaporized H2O2 (VHP) decontamination on the integrity of N95 respirators currently in use in a hospital setting. 2) To examine if N95 respirators worn by one user can adapt to the face shape of a second user with no compromise of integrity following VHP decontamination. Methods: The PortaCount Pro+ Respirator Fit Tester Model 8038 was used to quantitatively define the integrity, measured by fit, of N95 respirators following decontamination with VHP. Findings: There was an observable downward trend in the integrity of Halyard Fluidshield 46727 N95 respirators throughout eight cycles of decontamination with VHP. The integrity of 3M 1870 N95 respirators was significantly reduced after the respirator was worn, decontaminated with VHP, and then quantitatively fit tested on a second user. Furthermore, we uncovered inconsistencies between qualitative fit test and QTFT results that may have strong implications on the fit testing method used by institutions. Conclusions: Our data revealed variability in the integrity of different N95 models after VHP decontamination and exposed potential limitations of N95 decontamination and reuse programs.

scholarly journals COVID-19 global pandemic planning: Decontamination and reuse processes for N95 respirators

2020 ◽  
Vol 245 (11) ◽  
pp. 933-939 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas J Perkins ◽  
Steven Villescas ◽  
Terry H Wu ◽  
Timothy Muller ◽  
Steven Bradfute ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Operating Room ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Environmental Controls ◽  
Creative Solutions ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
N95 Respirators ◽  
Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease was first identified as a cluster of respiratory illness in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019, and has rapidly spread across the globe to greater than 200 countries. Healthcare providers are at an increased risk for contracting the disease due to occupational exposure and require appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 respirators. The rapid worldwide spread of high numbers of COVID-19 cases has facilitated the need for a substantial supply of PPE that is largely unavailable in many settings, thereby creating critical shortages. Creative solutions for the decontamination and safe reuse of PPE to protect our frontline healthcare personnel are essential. Here, we describe the development of a process that began in late February 2020 for selecting and implementing the use of hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) as viable method to reprocess N95 respirators. Since pre-existing HPV decontamination chambers were not available, we optimized the sterilization process in an operating room after experiencing initial challenges in other environments. Details are provided about the prioritization and implementation of processes for collection and storage, pre-processing, HPV decontamination, and post-processing of filtering facepiece respirators. Important lessons learned from this experience include, developing an adequate reserve of PPE for effective reprocessing and distribution, and identifying a suitable location with optimal environmental controls (i.e. operating room). Collectively, information presented here provides a framework for other institutions considering decontamination procedures for N95 respirators. Impact statement There is a critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) around the globe. This article describes the safe collection, storage, and decontamination of N95 respirators using hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV). This article is unique because it describes the HPV process in an operating room, and is therefore, a deployable method for many healthcare settings. Results presented here offer creative solutions to the current PPE shortage.

What are the effective methods of decontaminating N95 mask for reuse?

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Theodore G. Cabaluna ◽  
Abigail F. Melicor
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Moist Heat ◽  
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
N95 Respirators ◽  
Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor

KEY FINDINGS Based on laboratory-based studies, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), microwave generated steam, warm moist heat, and hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) were able to reduce the load of influenza viruses (A/H5N1, H1N1) or G. stearothermophilus and at the same time maintain the integrity of N95 respirators. • Considering the current pandemic, there is a potential for shortage of N95 facepiece filtering respirator (FFR) for healthcare workers. • No studies in humans were found comparing effectiveness of N95 post-decontamination. • Laboratory based studies done on influenza virus (A/H5N1, H1N1) have shown that ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, microwave generated steam, or warm moist heat was able to reduce the viral load by as much as 4 log and at the same time maintain respirator performance by keeping the percent penetration below 5% and the pressure drop within standards. • While UVGI was able to maintain integrity of FFRs up to 3 cycles, microwave generated steam may melt the metallic components of certain N95 masks. • Hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) had minimal effect on respirator performance and structural integrity up to 20 cycles and was also effective in eradicating G. stearothermophilus and aerosolized bacteriophages. • Bleach, ethanol and isopropanol all affected the mean penetration of the mask beyond the 5% limit. • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend decontamination then reuse of FFRs as standard care but decontamination with UVGI, HPV or moist heat may be considered as an option in FFR shortages.

scholarly journals Analysis of SteraMist ionized hydrogen peroxide technology in the sterilization of N95 respirators and other PPE: a quality improvement study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avilash K. Cramer ◽  
Deborah Plana ◽  
Helen Yang ◽  
Mary M. Carmack ◽  
Enze Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Biological Indicator ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Environment Chamber ◽  
N95 Respirators

AbstractObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers, including filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) such as N95 masks. These masks are normally intended for single use, but their sterilization and subsequent reuse could substantially mitigate a world-wide shortage.DesignQuality assurance.SettingA sealed environment chamber installed in the animal facility of an academic medical center.InterventionsOne to five sterilization cycles using ionized hydrogen peroxide (iHP), generated by SteraMist® equipment (TOMI; Frederick, MD).Main outcome measuresPersonal protective equipment, including five N95 mask models from three manufacturers, were evaluated for efficacy of sterilization following iHP treatment (measured with bacterial spores in standard biological indicator assemblies). Additionally, N95 masks were assessed for their ability to efficiently filter particles down to 0.3µm and for their ability to form an airtight seal using a quantitative fit test. Filtration efficiency was measured using ambient particulate matter at a university lab and an aerosolized NaCl challenge at a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) pre-certification laboratory.ResultsThe data demonstrate that N95 masks sterilized using SteraMist iHP technology retain function up to five cycles, the maximum number tested to date. Some but not all PPE could also be sterilized using an iHP environmental chamber, but pre-treatment with a handheld iHP generator was required for semi-enclosed surfaces such as respirator hoses.ConclusionsA typical iHP environment chamber with a volume of ~80 m3 can treat ~7000 masks per day, as well as other items of PPE, making this an effective approach for a busy medical center.

scholarly journals Addressing decontaminated respirators: Some methods appear to damage mask integrity and protective function

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 1446-1448
Author(s):  
Richard E. Peltier ◽  
Jiayuan Wang ◽  
Brian L. Hollenbeck ◽  
Jennifer Lanza ◽  
Ryan M. Furtado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Protective Function ◽  
The Face ◽  
N95 Respirators

AbstractDecontamination of N95 respirators is being used by clinicians in the face of a global shortage of these devices. Some treatments for decontamination, such as some vaporized hydrogen peroxide methods or ultraviolet methods, had no impact on respiratory performance, while other treatments resulted in substantial damage to masks.

scholarly journals The SARS-CoV-2 viral load in COVID-19 patients is lower on face mask filters than on nasopharyngeal swabs

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Smolinska ◽  
David S. Jessop ◽  
Kirk L. Pappan ◽  
Alexandra De Saedeleer ◽  
Amerjit Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Home Testing ◽  
Viral Particles ◽  
Mean Diameter ◽  
The Face ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

AbstractFace masks and personal respirators are used to curb the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory droplets; filters embedded in some personal protective equipment could be used as a non-invasive sample source for applications, including at-home testing, but information is needed about whether filters are suited to capture viral particles for SARS-CoV-2 detection. In this study, we generated inactivated virus-laden aerosols of 0.3–2 microns in diameter (0.9 µm mean diameter by mass) and dispersed the aerosolized viral particles onto electrostatic face mask filters. The limit of detection for inactivated coronaviruses SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-NL63 extracted from filters was between 10 to 100 copies/filter for both viruses. Testing for SARS-CoV-2, using face mask filters and nasopharyngeal swabs collected from hospitalized COVID-19-patients, showed that filter samples offered reduced sensitivity (8.5% compared to nasopharyngeal swabs). The low concordance of SARS-CoV-2 detection between filters and nasopharyngeal swabs indicated that number of viral particles collected on the face mask filter was below the limit of detection for all patients but those with the highest viral loads. This indicated face masks are unsuitable to replace diagnostic nasopharyngeal swabs in COVID-19 diagnosis. The ability to detect nucleic acids on face mask filters may, however, find other uses worth future investigation.

scholarly journals Graphene nanoplatelet and Graphene oxide functionalization of face mask materials inhibits infectivity of trapped SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavio De Maio ◽  
Valentina Palmieri ◽  
Gabriele Babini ◽  
Alberto Augello ◽  
Ivana Palucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Graphene Oxide ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Vero Cells ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Physical Barrier ◽  
Viral Particles ◽  
Functionalized Materials ◽  
The Face ◽  
Rna And Dna

Recent advancements in bidimensional nanoparticles such as Graphene nanoplatelets (G) and the derivative Graphene oxide (GO) have the potential to meet the need for highly functional personal protective equipment (PPE) that confers increased protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and the spread COVID-19. The ability of G and GO to interact with and bind microorganisms as well as RNA and DNA provides an opportunity to develop engineered textiles for use in PPE. The face masks widely used in health care and other high-risk settings for COVID transmission provide only a physical barrier that decreases likelihood of infection and do not inactivate the virus. Here, we show pre-incubation of viral particles with free GO inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection of VERO cells. Highly relevant to PPE materials, when either polyurethane or cotton material was loaded with G or GO and culture medium containing SARS-CoV-2 viral particles either filtered through or incubated with the functionalized materials, the infectivity of the medium was nearly completely inhibited. The findings presented here constitute an important nanomaterials-based strategy to significantly increase face mask and other PPE efficacy in protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 that may be applicable to additional anti-SARS-CoV-2 measures including water filtration, air purification, and diagnostics.

scholarly journals A Customized Mask Retainer and Its Effects on Improving the Fit Performance of Surgical Masks

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Chen ◽  
Qi Xi ◽  
Wei Lu ◽  
Fangfang Sun ◽  
Lirong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fold Increase ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Matched Pairs ◽  
3D Face ◽  
Surgical Masks ◽  
The Face ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Scan Data ◽  
N95 Respirators ◽  
Chinese Standard

Abstract Background: With the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the effectiveness of providing mask protection is important for people. This article introduces a customized mask retainer to improve the fit performance of face masks.Methods: The participant’s 3D face scans with and without a surgical mask were taken by using a 3D face scanner. The fitter was designed on the 3D face scan data according to the facial anthropometric landmarks, and examined and adjusted on the face scan data with a mask. The fitter was 3D printed using a metal printer for Titanium. The effectiveness of the fitter on augmentation of fit of surgical mask was test according to the Chinese Standard. Tests were repeated three times per participant, and compare differences between groups by Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed-Ranks Test using software (a=.05).Results: The effectiveness test of the retainer on augmentation of fit performance showed a result more than 25-fold increase of overall Fit Factor, which have met the fit requirement for KN95 respirators in China.Conclusions: Fit Factor results indicated that by using the retainer, the Fit Factors of overall and each exercise have significantly increased as compared to that of face mask alone group. It may provide a solution to the shortage of N95 respirators the world is now encountering as fighting against the COVID-19 epidemic.

scholarly journals A pilot study assessing the various dermatoses associated with the use of a face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-353
Author(s):  
Nagaria Nishi ◽  
Uday Kumar Sonappa ◽  
Talari Srinivas Rajashekar
Keyword(s):  
Face Mask ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Single Institution ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Activity ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Prolonged Contact ◽  
Study Results ◽  
N95 Respirators

Background: An occupational disease is any disease developing primarily as a result of exposure to risk factors arising from work activity and contributing to a significant portion of work-related diseases. Although COVID-19 is not dermatotropic, prolonged contact with personal protective equipment—that is, goggles, face shields, N95 respirators, double-layered gloves, etc.—may cause various dermatoses. Several dermatoses due to PPE have been well documented, but facial dermatoses specifically due to the use of face masks remain a relatively uncharted entity. In this study, we report preliminary data on individuals experiencing various facial dermatoses due to the use of face masks. Objective: The aim was to study the various facial dermatoses associated with the use of a face mask. Materials and Methods: After obtaining informed consent, individuals using a face mask were enrolled in this single-institution, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. Results: A total of 364 participants were enrolled for the study, among which 59.3% revealed to have worn a face mask for more than six months. A majority used ear-looped N95 masks. Nine problem areas were identified in the study. Among the facial dermatoses observed, acne was the most frequently reported, followed by redness. Conclusion: In spite of contact dermatitis arising due to masks, it is recommended to use well-fitted and comfortable masks for sufficient periods of time to reduce the risk of transmission, ensure safety, and reduce mask-related side effects.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document