Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide Decontamination of N95 Respirators, with Fit-Testing and Virologic Confirmation of Suitability for Re-Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

T. Hans Derr; Melissa A. James; Chad V. Kuny; Prem P. Kandel; Matthew D. Beckman; Kevin L. Hockett; Mark A. Bates; Moriah L Szpara

is the (which was not peer-reviewed) The copyright holder for this preprint . https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04. 17.20068577 doi: medRxiv preprint on operator personnel (to monitor exposure levels), and in respirator bags (to monitor residual H2O2 before re-use in fit-testing). Laboratory analysis was performed by an American Industrial Hygiene Association-Accredited Laboratory. Separately, the PortaSens II detector was used to measure H2O2 levels during the charge/pulse stage of decontamination through a wall port in the room, and to monitor the adjacent corridor for room seal leakage. Subsequently it was used for direct measurements within the room itself during the aeration stage, and thereafter at respirator surfaces, to demonstrate H2O2 concentration reduction to less than 1 ppm for transport and to 0 ppm prior to fit testing.