Disinfection and reuse methods for N95 respirators during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: systematic review [Métodos de desinfección y reutilización del respirador N95 durante la pandemia SARS-CoV-2: revisión sistemática]
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62574/hd6yre68Keywords:
disinfection, SARS-CoV-2, protective equipmentAbstract
Objective: To identify effective methods for disinfection and reuse of N95 respirators during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Method: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, medRxiv, Scielo and Google Scholar databases, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical trials on N95 respirator decontamination methods. Forty articles meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. Results: Vaporized hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation showed greater efficacy, maintaining 95% filtration capacity without altering respirator structure. Other methods evaluated included 70% ethanol, moist heat, dry heat, microwave steam, ozone with dry heat, hypochlorite and autoclave. Conclusions: Vaporized hydrogen peroxide represents the most effective method for decontaminating N95 respirators, preserving their filtration properties and structure. Further research is required to establish standardized protocols ensuring safe reuse.
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