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KMID : 0365220200570020017
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Korean Journal of Public Health
2020 Volume.57 No. 2 p.17 ~ p.24
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The Decontamination of Mask and Reuse: Evidence Review
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Tsogtbayar Oyu
Yoon Chung-Sik
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Abstract
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Objectives: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to massive loss of life and huge economic disruption, leading to shortages of critical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE). These shortages have led to many countries and organizations to consider strategies to extend the use or reuse PPE, particularly masks. Studies have highlighted the importance of mask use for preventing COVID-19 transmission. This work examines different decontamination methods focusing on biocidal efficacy, filtration performance of treated masks and adverse health effects of decontamination methods to the wearers.
Methods: Scientific literature search on mask decontamination was performed in Pubmed database.
Results: Physical and chemical methods of decontamination were identified. Physical decontamination methods include decontamination by steam, heat (dry and humid), and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). For chemical methods, decontamination by ethylene oxide, bleach, vaporous hydrogen peroxide and other chemical reagents were tested. Steam mediated masks decontamination method was found to be nontoxic to users, cost effective, since equipment is widely available at home and hospital, rapid and easy to use. However, multiple treatments may increase penetration of particles and aerosols through masks and decrease filtration efficiency. Advantages of dry heat include its convenience, low cost and safety to wearers. The major concern over the effectiveness of dry heat is lower penetration rate. Decontamination by irradiation is benefited by a relatively short irradiation time and there are no known health risks to the users. However, penetration depth may be limited, high dose may be needed to disinfect virus inside the mask. Alcohol, chlorine-based solutions, soaps and bleach can significantly degrade the filter, either because they alter the electrostatic properties of the filter fibers, affect particle penetration levels, or deform the filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) leading to its degradation. Moreover, chemical residues left on mask can cause risk to wearers. Vaporous hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is most promising chemical method. However, it is labor intensive, costly and it has limited widespread application.
Conclusion: Of the methods that have been investigated to date, decontamination by steam, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and vaporous hydrogen peroxide (VHP) are the most promising. Whereas, solution based chemical methods are not advised for use.
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KEYWORD
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Mask decontamination, reuse, biocidal effect, Covid-19, UV
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