Mask decontamination methods (model N95) for respiratory protection: a rapid review

Abstract

Background: N95 respiratory protection masks are used by healthcare professionals to prevent contamination from infectious microorganisms transmitted by droplets or aerosols.Methods: We conducted a rapid review of the literature analyzing the effectiveness of decontamination methods for mask reuse. The database searches were carried out up to September 2020. The systematic review was conducted in a way which simplified the stages of a complete systematic review, due to the worldwide necessity on reliable fast evidences on this matter.Results: A total of 563 articles were retrieved of which 48 laboratory-based studies were selected. Fifteen decontamination methods were included in the studies. A total of 19 laboratory studies used Hydrogen peroxide, 21 studies used ultraviolet germicidal irradiation,4 studies used ethylene oxide, 11 studies used dry heat, 9 studies used moist heat, 5 studies used ethanol, two studies used isopropanol solution, 11 studies used microwave oven, 10 studies used sodium hypochlorite, seven studies used autoclave, three studies used electric rice cooker, one study used cleaning wipes, one study used bar soap, one study used water, one study used multi-purpose high-level disinfection cabinet and another one used chlorine dioxide. Five methods promising: hydrogen peroxide vapor, ultraviolet irradiation, dry heat, wet heat/pasteurization, and microwave ovens.Conclusions: We have presented the best available evidence on masks decontamination, nevertheless, its applicability are limited due to few studies on the topic and lack of studies on real environments.

A detailed investigation of N95 respirator sterilization with dry heat, hydrogen peroxide, and ionizing radiation

“…The OPC has a limitation in measuring the particle size of less than 0.3 μm. 9,[30][31][32][33] Nevertheless, the relevant antibacterial test and virus deactivation studies pertinent to the scope of the present paper, along with pros and cons, have been summarized in Table 3. The sterilization methods have been chosen based on the large throughput and easy availability of sterilization infrastructure at an affordable cost for various people.…”

Environmental impacts of the widespread use of chlorine-based disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The efficacy of CBDs against coronaviruses is well-documented in the scientific literature (Bakhtiyari et al 2020 ; Probst et al 2021 ; Shimabukuro et al 2020 ). However, once sprayed on streets and public places, these compounds can enter the sewer system or stormwater drains in the form of surface runoff, eventually leading to severe contamination of surface waters.…”