Abstract

This research project was selected through the call for proposals for projects related to COVID-19.

The research team will measure the effect of a dry heat decontamination treatment followed by hydrogen peroxide and ozone sterilization on the penetration capacity of disposable filters from the 1870 model of N95-type respiratory protective equipment (RPE). The fit of the treated masks will be assessed at each decontamination and sterilization cycle for five or more cycles, until the masks break down.

The penetration capacity of all the masks that have been decontaminated, sterilized and reused five or more times will also be assessed. The team will validate the efficacy of each sterilization cycle with direct contamination by a biological indicator, in addition to measuring the residues in the masks after each sterilization cycle. Ultimately, the team will validate the implementation of a recycling system for N95 masks, in a clinical context, which would enable traceability and reuse by each individual user.