Ultraviolet-C as a Viable Reprocessing Method for Disposable Masks and Filtering Facepiece Respirators

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Public Health
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Single-use personal protective equipment (PPE), especially masks and filtering facepiece respirators, are typically discarded after use to prevent infection transmission.
• Shortages of PPE necessitate the exploration of alternative strategies, such as disinfection and reuse.
• Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light exhibits germicidal properties, presenting a potential solution for PPE disinfection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art regarding UV-C sterilization techniques for masks and filtering facepiece respirators.
• To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of UV-C sterilization as a method for decontaminating reusable PPE.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted across multiple scientific databases.
• A snowballing method was employed to expand the literature search and ensure a robust sample of studies.
• Studies focusing on UV-C germicidal efficacy and application to respiratory protection were analyzed.

Main Results:

• UV-C light demonstrates significant germicidal capability, comparable to other established sterilization methods.
• The effectiveness of UV-C in inactivating pathogens on mask and respirator surfaces was confirmed.
• UV-C sterilization offers advantages that make it an attractive option for PPE decontamination.

Conclusions:

• UV-C sterilization is a highly effective method for decontaminating masks and filtering facepiece respirators.
• Its comparable germicidal efficacy and other benefits position UV-C as a desirable alternative to traditional disposal methods, especially during supply shortages.
• Further research may be needed to fully address potential disadvantages and optimize UV-C application protocols for widespread adoption.