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Table 2 Sterilization method and effect on mask performance

From: Addressing the worldwide shortages of face masks

Method

Treatment level

Fitting performance

Filtration performance

Antimicrobial performance

Vaporous hydrogen peroxide (VHP)

Usually use commercial hydrogen peroxide steam generator. Directly use VHP to treat the surface of the mask, generally 10–30 min.

Passed (Fitting unaffected for up to 20 cycles)

Passed

Can be maintained (> 99.99%)

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI)

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to treat the surface of the mask. 0.5–950 J/cm2 were used

depending on model (90–100% can pass)

Passed

Can be maintained (99.9% for all tested viruses)

Microwave generated steam

microwave models: 1100–1250 W 40 s treatment for 2 min

95–100% Passed

Passed, even after 20 cycles

Can be maintained

Microwave steam bags

microwave models: 1100 W, 90 s treatment, 60 mL tap water was filled in the bags

Not evaluated

Passed

Can be maintained

Moist heat (MH) incubation

15–30 min treatment at 60 °C

Passed

Passed

Can be maintained

Liquid hydrogen peroxide

1 s to 30 min treatment with Liquid hydrogen peroxide concentration of 3–6%

Not evaluated

Passed

Not evaluated

Ethylene oxide

1 h at 55 °C; conc. range: 725–833 mg/L

Not evaluated

Passed

Not evaluated

  1. Courtesy of the CDC website [13]