Emissions from Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfection and Their Interaction with Mask Surfaces

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Public Health
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic increased the use of disinfectants like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and facial coverings.
• Previous research on H2O2 disinfection and mask use did not extensively study emitted byproducts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and its byproduct concentrations in an indoor space with a mask-wearing manikin during disinfection.
• To assess the impact of masks on exposure levels to disinfectants and their byproducts over time.

Main Methods:

• Simulated indoor space disinfection using H2O2 in an environmental chamber with a thermal manikin wearing a mask.
• Measured H2O2 concentrations using a chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS).
• Measured disinfection byproducts using a Vocus proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Vocus PTR-ToF-MS), comparing levels inside and behind the mask.

Main Results:

• Elevated concentrations of H2O2 and byproducts were detected both inside the chamber and behind the mask for 2-4 hours post-disinfection.
• Masks demonstrated a time-dependent effect on the concentrations of disinfectants and their byproducts.

Conclusions:

• Extended exposure to H2O2 and its byproducts is possible after space disinfection, particularly with continued mask use.
• Frequent mask replacement is advised following exposure to high concentrations of disinfection-related chemical compounds.