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Open Access 01-12-2021 | COVID-19 | Research

Mask decontamination methods (model N95) for respiratory protection: a rapid review

Authors: Livia Fernandes Probst, Ana Tereza Gomes Guerrero, Andréia Insabralde de Queiroz Cardoso, Antonio Jose Grande, Mariana Garcia Croda, James Venturini, Maria Cristina de Camargo Fonseca, Anamaria Mello Miranda Paniago, Jorge Otávio Maia Barreto, Sandra Maria do Vale Leone de Oliveira

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

N95 respiratory protection masks are used by healthcare professionals to prevent contamination from infectious microorganisms transmitted by droplets or aerosols.

Methods

We conducted a rapid review of the literature analyzing the effectiveness of decontamination methods for mask reuse. The database searches were carried out up to September 2020. The systematic review was conducted in a way which simplified the stages of a complete systematic review, due to the worldwide necessity for reliable fast evidences on this matter.

Results

A total of 563 articles were retrieved of which 48 laboratory-based studies were selected. Fifteen decontamination methods were included in the studies. A total of 19 laboratory studies used hydrogen peroxide, 21 studies used ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, 4 studies used ethylene oxide, 11 studies used dry heat, 9 studies used moist heat, 5 studies used ethanol, two studies used isopropanol solution, 11 studies used microwave oven, 10 studies used sodium hypochlorite, 7 studies used autoclave, 3 studies used an electric rice cooker, 1 study used cleaning wipes, 1 study used bar soap, 1 study used water, 1 study used multi-purpose high-level disinfection cabinet, and another 1 study used chlorine dioxide. Five methods that are promising are as follows: hydrogen peroxide vapor, ultraviolet irradiation, dry heat, wet heat/pasteurization, and microwave ovens.

Conclusions

We have presented the best available evidence on mask decontamination; nevertheless, its applicability is limited due to few studies on the topic and the lack of studies on real environments.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Mask decontamination methods (model N95) for respiratory protection: a rapid review
Authors: Livia Fernandes Probst
Ana Tereza Gomes Guerrero
Andréia Insabralde de Queiroz Cardoso
Antonio Jose Grande
Mariana Garcia Croda
James Venturini
Maria Cristina de Camargo Fonseca
Anamaria Mello Miranda Paniago
Jorge Otávio Maia Barreto
Sandra Maria do Vale Leone de Oliveira
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01742-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Mask decontamination methods (model N95) for respiratory protection: a rapid review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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