Today’s Solutions: December 22, 2024

Since the onset of the pandemic, many hospitals have faced a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks. As a result, researchers have started evaluating the impact of various methods of decontamination on how well masks filter out viral particles — all in a bid to allow for the safe reuse of PPE and thus protect health care workers and their patients.

Adding to that body of research, a recent study has found that using dry heat can disinfect N95 masks for reuse in institutions hit by PPE shortages.

“Our study demonstrated that treatment of N95 face masks using dry heat was sufficient to inactivate COVID-19, while preserving the ability of these masks to filter aerosolized particles for potentially exposed workers,” says lead author Kenneth Shroyer, professor at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University.

As part of the study, the researchers focused on the use of dry heat sterilization to disinfect the masks because heat is potentially more readily available in most hospitals or outpatient clinical care facilities.

The study findings indicate that when no other decontamination alternatives are available, dry heat can be a viable solution to disinfect N95 masks and ensure the safety of health care workers.

Source study: PLOS ONE – Dry heat sterilization as a method to recycle N95 respirator masks: The importance of fit

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

UK aims to tackle drink spiking to protect women and girls

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The UK government announced a game-changing move to tackle spiking, a crime that has haunted nightlife and endangered ...

Read More

These 8 tips will help reduce holiday cooking stress

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Spice up your holiday cooking with these eight helpful and stress-reducing tips and savor the true joy of ...

Read More

How ketamine can help fight depression

Quick acting aid A recent review from the University of Exeter, has shown that the sedative drug ketamine, has therapeutic effects in regards to ...

Read More

Oregon project lets farmers test drive electric tractors

American drivers have plenty of options when it comes to electric cars, but what about farmers? The electrification of the agricultural industry is a ...

Read More