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is the (which was not peer-reviewed) The copyright holder for this preprint .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 under air-tight/sealed conditions, an approximate 12-minute continuous charge of aHP (7% H2O2; Curoxide®) was followed by six (6) pulse charges over 30 minutes. This was followed by an optional 15-or 20-minute air movement and circulation phase, under neutral pressurization and sealed room conditions, to increase disinfectant dwell time. An aeration or dissipation phase was then initiated after removing room seals for 30-minute to 2-hour periods, with the room under slight vacuum (0.18-0.19"W.G.), by starting the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Thereafter the respirator-holding rack(s) were transferred to a room (referred to as the "finishing room") with an HVAC air supply curtain to further dry and decompose residual aHP from respirator facepieces to less than 0.5 ppm H2O2 (7, 8) . In order to optimize efficient aeration and dissipate detectable H2O2 from respirator facepieces, the cycle was monitored and parameters adjusted, including: air exchange rate, humidity, room temperature, and dwell time.