Disposable masks: Disinfection and sterilization for reuse, and non-certified manufacturing, in the face of shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is posing a huge global health threat. To deal with this problem, in addition to research and work in the medical field, the main health measures being taken in the workplace and at home involve the establishment of safety protocols, which include distance measures, hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment, such as masks, etc. The WHO still does not recommend the use of masks for the general population. However, their successful use in China, South Korea and the Czech Republic has encouraged their widespread use, and the shortage that already existed. This has caused that companies and individuals are looking at the best way to reuse them, and to manufacture, homemade or not, of non-certified masks. This paper is based on two objectives: to consult the scientific literature to identify the main strategies for disinfecting them, and to determine the effectiveness of non-certified disposable masks. A rapid review has been conducted in which the main publications and other information available online have been analyzed. Results showed that the most promising methods are those that use hydrogen peroxide vapor, ultraviolet radiation, moist heat, dry heat and ozone gas. Soapy water, alcohol, bleach immersion, ethylene oxide, ionizing radiation, microwave, high temperature, autoclave or steam are not fully recommended. Regarding the effectiveness of surgical masks compared to PPE, the former have been seen to be slightly less effective than PPE. As for other types of masks the effectiveness of homemade or non-certified masks is very low.

Effect of gamma sterilization on filtering efficiency of various respiratory face-masks

“…All above sterilisation method having advantages and disadvantages from one than others (Avilash et. al., 2020 andJuan et al, 2020). Among the different methods, the available literature seems to point out that the most promising methods are those that use hydrogen peroxide vapor, ultraviolet radiation, moist heat, dry heat, ozone gas and gamma irradiation.…”

“…The methods that are not recommended for disinfection or sterilization such as cleaning with soapy water, alcohol, bleach immersion, ethylene oxide, microwave, high temperature, autoclave or steam because they can signi cantly degrade the lter, because they alter or degrade the electrostatic properties of the lter bre sand affect particle penetration levels leading to mask degradation (Juan et al, 2020). Ozone gas appears to be effective in decontaminating respirators mask without damaging the facemask, although it presents risks for the safety and health of workers who carry out the process if it is not handled properly (Zhang et al, 2004 andJuan et al, 2020). Gamma irradiation is safe, reliable and highly effective at treating a wide variety of products with varying densities.…”

Quantitative Performance Analysis of Respiratory Facemasks using Atmospheric and Laboratory generated Aerosols following with Gamma Sterilization

“…Among the different methods, the available literature seems to point out that, the most promising methods are those that use hydrogen peroxide vapour, ultraviolet radiation, moist heat, dry heat, ozone gas and gamma irradiation. The methods that are not recommended for disinfection or sterilization such as cleaning with soapy water, alcohol, bleach immersion, ethylene oxide, microwave, high temperature, and autoclave or steam because they can signi cantly degrade the lter due to degradation of solidity of lter, alteration of the electrostatic properties of the lter bre and affect particle penetration levels (Juan et al, 2020). Ozone gas appears to be effective in decontaminating respirator masks without damaging them, although it presents risks for the safety and health of workers who carry out the process if it is not handled properly (Zhang et al, 2004;Juan et al, 2020).…”

“…The methods that are not recommended for disinfection or sterilization such as cleaning with soapy water, alcohol, bleach immersion, ethylene oxide, microwave, high temperature, and autoclave or steam because they can signi cantly degrade the lter due to degradation of solidity of lter, alteration of the electrostatic properties of the lter bre and affect particle penetration levels (Juan et al, 2020). Ozone gas appears to be effective in decontaminating respirator masks without damaging them, although it presents risks for the safety and health of workers who carry out the process if it is not handled properly (Zhang et al, 2004;Juan et al, 2020). In the case of dry or moist heat, at what temperature and how much time the mask should be heated, so that corona virus can be deactivated without affecting the ltering e ciency, ltering material, strap and strap attachment etc.…”

Decontamination Methods for Respiratory Protection Mask Model N95: A Rapid Review

“…In the case of serious emerging infections such as COVID-19 the principle of universal precaution must be considered. 15,40 The present study has limitations, given that it was carried out as a quick response in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and we adopted a series of methodological simpli cations that may affect the ndings and our interpretations. Eliminating the evaluation of the studies' methodological qualities was among the simpli cations and calls for caution in interpreting the results presented.…”