Open AccessExploring Reusability of Disposable Face Masks: Effects of Disinfection Methods on Filtration Efficiency, Breathability, and Fluid Resistance
Author(s) -
Teo Jye Yng,
Kng Jessica,
Periaswamy Balamurugan,
Liu Songlin,
Lim PohChong,
Lee Chen Ee,
Tan Ban Hock,
Loh Xian Jun,
Ni Xiping,
Tiang Daniel,
Yi Guangshun,
Ong Yee Yian,
Ling Moi Lin,
Wan Wei Yee,
Wong Hei Man,
How Molly,
Xin Xiaohui,
Zhang Yugen,
Yang Yi Yan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
global challenges
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2056-6646
DOI - 10.1002/gch2.202100030
Subject(s) - respirator , dry heat , sterilization (economics) , materials science , pulp and paper industry , filtration (mathematics) , reuse , environmental science , waste management , composite material , mathematics , engineering , statistics , foreign exchange market , monetary economics , economics , foreign exchange
To curb the spread of the COVID‐19 virus, the use of face masks such as disposable surgical masks and N95 respirators is being encouraged and even enforced in some countries. The widespread use of masks has resulted in global shortages and individuals are reusing them. This calls for proper disinfection of the masks while retaining their protective capability. In this study, the killing efficiency of ultraviolet‐C (UV‐C) irradiation, dry heat, and steam sterilization against bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus ), fungi ( Candida albicans ), and nonpathogenic virus ( Salmonella virus P22 ) is investigated. UV‐C irradiation for 10 min in a commercial UV sterilizer effectively disinfects surgical masks. N95 respirators require dry heat at 100 °C for hours while steam treatment works within 5 min. To address the question on safe reuse of the disinfected masks, their bacteria filtration efficiency, particle filtration efficiency, breathability, and fluid resistance are assessed. These performance factors are unaffected after 5 cycles of steam (10 min per cycle) and 10 cycles of dry heat at 100 °C (40 min per cycle) for N95 respirators, and 10 cycles of UV‐C irradiation for surgical masks (10 min per side per cycle). These findings provide insights into formulating the standard procedures for reusing masks without compromising their protective ability.