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Evaluation of five decontamination methods for filtering facepiece respirators
Dennis J Viscusi1, Michael S Bergman, Benjamin C Eimer
1National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA.
The Annals of Occupational Hygiene
|October 7, 2009
Summary
Reusing N95 respirators after decontamination is a potential pandemic strategy. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), ethylene oxide (EtO), and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) showed promise, but further research is needed for safe implementation.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Shortages of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-certified N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) are a concern during pandemics.
- Reusing FFRs after decontamination is a potential strategy to mitigate shortages.
- Limited data exist on the impact of decontamination on FFR integrity and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate five decontamination methods for NIOSH-certified respirators.
- To assess the effects of decontamination on FFR physical integrity and laboratory performance.
- To identify promising methods for future research.
Main Methods:
- Tested five decontamination methods: UVGI, ethylene oxide, VHP, microwave, and bleach.
- Evaluated nine respirator models (N95 FFRs, surgical N95, P100 FFRs).
- Assessed physical appearance, odor, filter aerosol penetration, and airflow resistance post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Microwave irradiation damaged two FFR models.
- Most decontaminated FFRs maintained acceptable filter performance.
- Bleach decontamination resulted in residual odor and off-gassing.
- UVGI, EtO, and VHP were most promising, with EtO and VHP facing throughput concerns.
Conclusions:
- UVGI, EtO, and VHP show potential for FFR decontamination.
- Further research is required to address limitations and ensure safety.
- Microwave and bleach methods are not recommended based on initial findings.
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