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Determination of hydrogen peroxide on N95 masks after sanitization using a colorimetric method
Paramee Kumkrong1, Ludmila Scoles1, Yvan Brunet1
1National Research Council Canada, Canada.
Methodsx
|August 26, 2021
Summary
A new colorimetric method accurately measures residual hydrogen peroxide on N95 masks after sterilization. This ensures mask safety by quantifying potential health hazards from the sanitization process.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Hydrogen peroxide is a common sterilant for medical devices.
- Its use expanded to N95 masks during COVID-19 PPE shortages.
- Residual hydrogen peroxide may pose health risks to users.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize a colorimetric method for detecting hydrogen peroxide on N95 masks.
- To validate the method's reliability and suitability for residue monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Development and optimization of a colorimetric analytical method.
- Validation of the method for recovery, limit of detection, and measurement uncertainty.
- Assessment of factors affecting residue levels, including sanitization processes and mask surface characteristics.
Main Results:
- The method achieved high overall recovery (98% ± 7%).
- Limit of detection varied from 0.16 to 0.25 mg/mask.
- Measurement uncertainty was 13% at a 95% confidence interval.
- Sanitization and mask surface features influenced residue levels; ozone had no significant impact.
Conclusions:
- The developed in-house method is reliable, sensitive, simple, rapid, and cost-effective.
- It is fit for purpose in monitoring hydrogen peroxide residues on N95 masks.
- Timing is critical due to rapid hydrogen peroxide decomposition on mask surfaces.
