Open AccessCharacterization of DELUX: Ultraviolet light sterilization device for PFF2 / N95 masks against COVID-19
Author(s) -
Bryan Montenegro,
Marco Flores
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
ingenius
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1390-860X
pISSN - 1390-650X
DOI - 10.17163/ings.n27.2022.03
Subject(s) - covid-19 , respirator , economic shortage , personal protective equipment , sterilization (economics) , pandemic , ultraviolet , broad spectrum , ultraviolet light , environmental science , medicine , materials science , business , optoelectronics , chemistry , infectious disease (medical specialty) , linguistics , philosophy , combinatorial chemistry , disease , finance , pathology , government (linguistics) , exchange rate , composite material , foreign exchange market
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health pandemic state due to the transmission of the new coronavirus on March 11th, 2020. COVID-19, that is caused by SARS-CoV-2, has a very broad clinical spectrum, with predominantly respiratory symptoms developments. The role of the health professionals in fighting the pandemic requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PFF2 / N95 masks are suitable PPEs for this purpose. Due to the high demand for PFF2 / N95 masks to fight the pandemic, there was a shortage of this PPE worldwide. This work aims to present a characterization of the device called DELUX, utilized for UVC (ultraviolet C light spectra) sterilization of PFF2 / N95 masks, and allowing to extend the time of safe use of this PPE in emergency conditions. The photometric validation of the device resulted in the verification of the emission spectrum of the lamps used in the device, and the measurement of the optical power, demonstrating the adequacy of irradiation with UVC light, with a 15-minute cycle, and safely. Biological validation showed that DELUX is capable of inactivating SARS-CoV-2 present on the surface of PFF2 / N95 masks, thus being efficient for their sterilization. The safety offered by the sterilization cycle allows to extend the safe use of those masks.