Evaluation of filtering facepiece respirators using chemical decontamination methods

Abstract

Disposable filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) are often recommended for use by healthcare workers and the general public for infection control. During pandemic, shortage in supply of FFRs is reported due to excessive demand. Hence, suitable decontamination methods of used FFRs are required to be identified. Various chemical decontamination methods (isopropyl alcohol (IPA), vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) and detergent) have been explored in the present study. The performance of the FFRs after exposed to three types of chemical decontamination methods was evaluated based on average aerosol penetration and average filter resistance values. Face mask type N95 and KN95 with four different models were used in the study. Based on the normalized data for filter aerosol penetration of the three decontamination methods, VHP is recommended to be used for decontamination methods for FFRs. Model 3 FFRs showed good performance where less deviation in the normalized filter aerosol penetration and normalized filter air flow resistance for the three decontamination methods was observed.