Development and validation of technologies suitable for the decontamination and re-use of contaminated N95 filtering facepiece respirators in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alt, Jodi; Eveland, Randal; Fiorello, Anthony; Haas, Bruno; Meszaros, Janet; McEvoy, Brian; Ridenour, Callie; Shaffer, Diana; Yirava, William; Ward, Lisa

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has brought significant challenges to society globally, particularly in the area of healthcare provision. A pressing need exists in protecting those tasked with delivering healthcare solutions during the COVID-19 crisis by providing solutions for preserving adequate supplies of effective personal protective equipment (PPE). AIM: To evaluate and validate available methods for the decontamination of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) while maintaining functionality during re-use. METHODS: Multiple low temperature steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) technologies were assessed for inactivation of Mycobacterium sp. and Feline calicivirus (employed as representatives of the contamination challenge). FINDINGS: Virus (≥ 3log(10)) and Mycobacterium sp. (≥ 6log(10)) inactivation on varying types of N95 FFRs using an array of heat (65-71(o)C), humidity (>50% RH) and VHP without affecting the performance of the PPE. CONCLUSION: Methods have been validated and were authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) under a temporary Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Based on findings, opportunities exist for development and deployment of decontamination methods made from simple, general-purpose materials and equipment should a future need arise.