2021
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257468
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Can sterilization of disposable face masks be an alternative for imported face masks? A nationwide field study including 19 sterilization departments and 471 imported brand types during COVID-19 shortages

Abstract: Background Face masks, also referred to as half masks, are essential to protect healthcare professionals working in close contact with patients with COVID-19-related symptoms. Because of the Corona material shortages, healthcare institutions sought an approach to reuse face masks or to purchase new, imported masks. The filter quality of these masks remained unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the quality of sterilized and imported FFP2/KN95 face masks. Methods A 48-minute steam sterilizat… Show more

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Cited by 12 publications
(9 citation statements)
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“…Reducing waste within the Circular Economy is growing in significance due to its benefits to society [ 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Reusing and reprocessing disposable medical devices after sterilization have been reported earlier [ 38 ]. The reuse of Zamak laryngoscope disposables in their current design may significantly contribute to CO 2 reductions but is legally restricted [ 39 ].…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
See 1 more Smart Citation
“…Reducing waste within the Circular Economy is growing in significance due to its benefits to society [ 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Reusing and reprocessing disposable medical devices after sterilization have been reported earlier [ 38 ]. The reuse of Zamak laryngoscope disposables in their current design may significantly contribute to CO 2 reductions but is legally restricted [ 39 ].…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Recycling is preferred when the previous is not possible [ 5 ]. By reusing medical waste, the valuable materials are preserved, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are lowered and the environmental impact is reduced [ 1 , 6 , 7 ].…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Heat-based sterilization at 134°C has been shown to damage a filter material’s microstructure while also damaging other heat-sensitive regions of protective equipment. A high concentration of liquid hydrogen peroxide during plasma sterilization may neutralize the electrostatic charge of the equipment (a key feature required for moisture resistance properties). , Ethylene oxide, a key disinfectant in hospitals, is less environmentally friendly and carcinogenic; similar challenges are also posed by chlorine-based disinfectants . Compared to ozone, hydrogen peroxide vapor has a lower penetration efficiency, with a lower oxidative potential for rapid disinfection.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…However, polymers such as polystyrene are capable of absorbing dry gaseous ozone and releasing it efficiently for biocidal action . UVC treatment may be affected by poor penetration, particularly when sterilizing materials of complex geometries, and may require extra/time-consuming preparatory steps ,, for enhanced penetration prior to the main decontamination cycle; they must also be reflected in many directions for increased effectiveness on the substrate. , However, their versatile functionality, besides decontamination, makes them attractive for several other applications. Table summarizes key merits and demerits of both decontamination methods, particularly during their large-scale application.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Instead of representing a problem, these unused masks offer an opportunity for novel circular economy practices (Corrêa and Corrêa 2021 ; Selvaranjan et al 2021 ). Interestingly, the surgical masks can be easily sterilized by dry heat, microwave radiation of ultraviolet light (UV-C light irradiation for 10 min from each side effectively kills the coronavirus) (Ben et al 2021 ), or with 121 °C steam or H 2 O 2 plasma (van Straten et al 2021 ). As these approaches barely damage the functionality and the structure of the porous layers of the masks, these materials can be safely applied in different fields.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%