Effectiveness of N95 Respirator Decontamination and Reuse against SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Robert J. Fischer, Dylan H. Morris, Neeltje van Doremalen, Shanda Sarchette, M. Jeremiah Matson, Trenton Bushmaker, Claude Kwe Yinda, Stephanie N. Seifert, Amandine Gamble, Brandi N. Williamson, Seth D. Judson, Emmie de Wit, James O. Lloyd‐Smith, Vincent J. Munster
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has created worldwide shortages of N95 respirators. We analyzed 4 decontamination methods for effectiveness in deactivating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus and effect on respirator function. Our results indicate that N95 respirators can be decontaminated and reused, but the integrity of respirator fit and seal must be maintained.
Topics & Concepts
RespiratorHuman decontaminationSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)VirologyPandemicMedicineEconomic shortageCoronavirus2019-20 coronavirus outbreakOutbreakChemistryPathologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)PhilosophyDiseaseGovernment (linguistics)Organic chemistryLinguisticsInfection Control and VentilationInfection Control in HealthcareHealthcare and Environmental Waste Management