11.30.10
Microwave ovens, ultraviolet lamps and ovens render viral material contaminating the respirator inactive. During a pandemic crisis, demand for disposable facemasks will rise dramatically, increasing the likelihood of local shortages in healthcare settings.
Mr. Shaffer presented an update on NIOSH research to assess one possible strategy to reuse N95 filtering facepiece respirators through application of readily available items such as microwave ovens, ultraviolet lamps and ovens to render viral material contaminating the respirator inactive.
This is the contention of Ron Shaffer, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory. Speaking to attendees on the first day of Filtration 2010 in Philadelphia, PA, Mr. Shaffer said these devices are typically discarded after each patient encounter because of concerns that contiuned use would increase the chances that any infectious material on the respirator would be transferred to the wearer or other patients.
Mr. Shaffer presented an update on NIOSH research to assess one possible strategy to reuse N95 filtering facepiece respirators through application of readily available items such as microwave ovens, ultraviolet lamps and ovens to render viral material contaminating the respirator inactive.