Effectiveness of N95 Respirator Decontamination and Reuse against SARS-CoV-2 Virus

Emerg Infect Dis. 2020 Sep;26(9):2253-2255. doi: 10.3201/eid2609.201524. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

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.

Keywords: COVID-19; N95 respirator; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus disease; decontamination; respiratory infections; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; viruses; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Decontamination / methods*
  • Equipment Reuse*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Ventilators, Mechanical / virology*