Sterilization of N95 respirators: The time for action is upon us!

Abstract

Re-processing of primary protective equipment is the need of the hour with healthcare systems all over the world strained due to the shortage precipitated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The common methods of re-sterilization do not hold well for filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) as they affect their structure and function. We propose the validation and eventual use of gamma irradiation, an already existing method of re-sterilization, to disinfect FFRs in bulk.

Keywords

• coronavirus
• coronavirus disease-19
• decontamination
• filtering facepiece respirator
• gamma irradiation
• n95
• pandemic
• personal protective equipment
• re-sterilization
• reuse