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The Use of UVC Irradiation to Sterilize Filtering Facepiece Masks Limiting Airborne Cross-Infection

Author

Listed:
  • Wojciech Kierat

    (Department of Digital Systems, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Weronika Augustyn

    (Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Piotr Koper

    (Department of Heating, Ventilation and Dust Removal Technology, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Miroslawa Pawlyta

    (Department of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Arkadiusz Chrusciel

    (MEXEO Institute of Technology, 47-225 Kedzierzyn-Kozle, Poland)

  • Bernard Wyrwol

    (Department of Digital Systems, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

Abstract

In addition to looking for effective drugs and a vaccine, which are necessary to save and protect human health, it is also important to limit, or at least to slow, the spread of coronavirus. One important element in this action is the use of individual protective devices such as filtering facepiece masks. Currently, masks that use a mechanical filter, such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, are often used. In some countries that do not have a well-developed healthcare system or in exceptional situations, there is a real and pressing need to restore filters for reuse. This article presents technical details for a very simple device for sterilization, including of HEPA polymer filters. The results of biological and microscopic tests confirming the effectiveness of the sterilization performed in the device are presented. The compact and portable design of the device also allows its use to disinfect other small surfaces, for example a small fragment of a floor, table, or bed.

Suggested Citation

  • Wojciech Kierat & Weronika Augustyn & Piotr Koper & Miroslawa Pawlyta & Arkadiusz Chrusciel & Bernard Wyrwol, 2020. "The Use of UVC Irradiation to Sterilize Filtering Facepiece Masks Limiting Airborne Cross-Infection," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:20:p:7396-:d:426122
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brian Ponnaiya & Manuela Buonanno & David Welch & Igor Shuryak & Gerhard Randers-Pehrson & David J Brenner, 2018. "Far-UVC light prevents MRSA infection of superficial wounds in vivo," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(2), pages 1-12, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Khaled Al-Hadyan & Ghazi Alsbeih & Ahmad Nobah & Jeffrey Lindstrom & Sawsan Falatah & Nawarh Faran & Salem Al-Ghamdi & Belal Moftah & Rashed Alhmaid, 2021. "In-House Filtration Efficiency Assessment of Vapor Hydrogen Peroxide Decontaminated Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-12, July.
    2. Weronika Augustyn & Arkadiusz Chruściel & Wiesław Hreczuch & Joanna Kalka & Patryk Tarka & Wojciech Kierat, 2022. "Inactivation of Spores and Vegetative Forms of Clostridioides difficile by Chemical Biocides: Mechanisms of Biocidal Activity, Methods of Evaluation, and Environmental Aspects," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-17, January.

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