Effects of various physical and chemical disinfection methods on the fine particle collection efficiency of N95 respirators and surgical masks

Jpn J Infect Dis. December 28, 2021. doi: 10.7883 / yoken.JJID.2021.663. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

There have been numerous reports on the effectiveness of various disinfection methods for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and their applicability to the disinfection of N95 respirators and surgical masks. To date, there have been no reports on decontamination of midcoats. In this study, the conditions required for the decontamination of such layers were set by simulation taking into account the thickness and shape of N95 respirators or surgical masks (samples). After application of heat (steam, dry heat or hot water) at 75 ° C for 60 min or chemical treatment (benzalkonium chloride or laundry detergent), the efficiency of sample collection was checked and evaluated. After the dry heat treatment, the time between the treatment and when the heat reached the middle layer of the filter fiber was extended by 10 min. A dry heat disinfection method that combines hot water and a closed container was also evaluated, and satisfactory conditions were extended by 60 min. For each heat treatment, there was virtually no effect on the collection efficiency, although there were cases where the deformation was caused by mechanical stress. In contrast, the chemical treatment resulted in a reduction in the efficiency of collecting the smaller particles.

PMID: 34980707 | DOI: 10.7883 / yoken.JJID.2021.663