Covid-19 and the N95 respirator shortage: Closing the gap
Daniel Nogee, Anthony J. Tomassoni
Abstract
Due to extreme shortages of personal protective equipment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare workers will be forced to recycle protective masks intended for disposal after a single use. We propose investigating the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to sterilize masks of SARS-CoV-2 for safer reuse.
Topics & Concepts
RespiratorPersonal protective equipmentSAFERCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Economic shortageClosing (real estate)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Reuse2019-20 coronavirus outbreakPandemicUltraviolet lightBusinessMedical emergencyWaste managementMedicineVirologyComputer scienceMaterials scienceEngineeringComputer securityInfectious disease (medical specialty)Composite materialOptoelectronicsGovernment (linguistics)PathologyLinguisticsOutbreakPhilosophyDiseaseFinanceInfection Control and VentilationCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsClimate Change and Health Impacts