April 15, 2020

Effect of various decontamination procedures on disposable N95 mask integrity and SARS-CoV-2 infectivity

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

• Smith et al tested the feasibility of vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP), UV light, and ethanol decontamination strategies on N95 mask integrity and the ability to remove the infectious potential of SARS-CoV-2. VHP treated masks showed no significant change in function after two treatments, while UV light was not as effective and ethanol damaged the integrity of the masks. This data contributes to the evidenced-based decisions for disposable N95 mask reuse and helps protect caregivers from SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens.

Smith et al. (April 15, 2020). Effect of various decontamination procedures on disposable N95 mask integrity and SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. Pre-print downloaded Apr 15 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.11.20062331