Evaluation of hydrogen peroxide and ozone residue levels on N95 masks following chemical decontamination.
J Hosp Infect
; 111: 117-124, 2021 May.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1100727
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Hydrogen peroxide and ozone have been used as chemical decontamination agents for N95 masks during supply shortages. If left behind on the masks, the residues of both chemicals represent a potential health hazard by skin contact and respiratory exposure.AIM:
Characterization of hydrogen peroxide and ozone residues on mask surfaces after chemical decontamination.METHODS:
Various N95 masks were decontaminated using two commercial systems employing either aerosol spray or vaporization of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of ozone. Following the decontamination, the masks were aired out to eliminate moisture and potential chemical residues. The residual hydrogen peroxide and ozone were monitored in the gas phase above the mask surface, and hydrogen peroxide residue directly on mask surfaces using a colorimetric assay.FINDINGS:
After decontamination, hydrogen peroxide and ozone were detectable in the gas phase in the vicinity of masks even after 5 h of aeration. Hydrogen peroxide was also detected on all studied masks, and levels up to 56 mg per mask were observed after 0.5 h of aeration. All residues gradually decreased with aeration, likely due to decomposition and vaporization.CONCLUSION:
Hydrogen peroxide and ozone were present on N95 masks after decontamination. With appropriate aeration, the gaseous residue levels in the vicinity of the masks decreased to permissible levels as defined by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Reliable assays to monitor these residues are necessary to ensure the safety of the mask users.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Ozone
/
Decontamination
/
N95 Respirators
/
Hydrogen Peroxide
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
Language:
English
Journal:
J Hosp Infect
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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