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Evaluation of the Microbiological Effectiveness of Three Accessible Mask Decontamination Methods and Their Impact on Filtration, Air Permeability and Physicochemical Properties

Author

Listed:
  • Roberta Lordelo

    (Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes (CEMMPRE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • José Rafael S. Botelho

    (Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre (CIEPQPF), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II—Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Paula V. Morais

    (Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes (CEMMPRE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Hermínio C. de Sousa

    (Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre (CIEPQPF), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II—Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Rita Branco

    (Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes (CEMMPRE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Ana M. A. Dias

    (Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre (CIEPQPF), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II—Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Marco S. Reis

    (Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre (CIEPQPF), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II—Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal)

Abstract

The need to secure public health and mitigate the environmental impact associated with the massified use of respiratory protective devices (RPD) has been raising awareness for the safe reuse of decontaminated masks by individuals and organizations. Among the decontamination treatments proposed, in this work, three methods with the potential to be adopted by households and organizations of different sizes were analysed: contact with nebulized hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ); immersion in commercial bleach (NaClO) (sodium hypochlorite, 0.1% p/v); and contact with steam in microwave steam-sanitizing bags (steam bag). Their decontamination effectiveness was assessed using reference microorganisms following international standards (issued by ISO and FDA). Furthermore, the impact on filtration efficiency, air permeability and several physicochemical and structural characteristics of the masks, were evaluated for untreated masks and after 1, 5 and 10 cycles of treatment. Three types of RPD were analysed: surgical, KN95, and cloth masks. Results demonstrated that the H 2 O 2 protocol sterilized KN95 and surgical masks (reduction of >6 log10 CFUs) and disinfected cloth masks (reduction of >3 log10 CFUs). The NaClO protocol sterilized surgical masks, and disinfected KN95 and cloth masks. Steam bags sterilized KN95 and disinfected surgical and cloth masks. No relevant impact was observed on filtration efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberta Lordelo & José Rafael S. Botelho & Paula V. Morais & Hermínio C. de Sousa & Rita Branco & Ana M. A. Dias & Marco S. Reis, 2022. "Evaluation of the Microbiological Effectiveness of Three Accessible Mask Decontamination Methods and Their Impact on Filtration, Air Permeability and Physicochemical Properties," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6567-:d:826160
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ka-Po Lee & Joanne Yip & Chi-Wai Kan & Jia-Chi Chiou & Ka-Fu Yung, 2020. "Reusable Face Masks as Alternative for Disposable Medical Masks: Factors that Affect their Wear-Comfort," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-16, September.
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