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Bolomey AC, Cadnum JL, Jencson AL, Donskey CJ. Evaluation of a mobile disinfection cabinet using ultraviolet-C light and aerosolized hydrogen peroxide for disinfection of medical equipment. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024; 45:257-259. [PMID: 37767689 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
In laboratory testing, a mobile enclosed disinfection cabinet using ultraviolet-C light and aerosolized hydrogen peroxide was effective for disinfection of hard and soft surfaces. The addition of aerosolized hydrogen peroxide to ultraviolet-C light resulted in improved disinfection of soft surfaces and Clostridioides difficile spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin C Bolomey
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans' Affairs (VA) Medical Center, ClevelandOhio
| | - Jennifer L Cadnum
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans' Affairs (VA) Medical Center, ClevelandOhio
| | - Annette L Jencson
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans' Affairs (VA) Medical Center, ClevelandOhio
| | - Curtis J Donskey
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
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2
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Tchonkouang RD, Lima AR, Quintino AC, Cristofoli NL, Vieira MC. UV-C Light: A Promising Preservation Technology for Vegetable-Based Nonsolid Food Products. Foods 2023; 12:3227. [PMID: 37685160 PMCID: PMC10486447 DOI: 10.3390/foods12173227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of bioactive substances present in fruit- and vegetable-processed products have health-promoting properties. The consumption of nutrient-rich plant-based products is essential to address undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Preservation is paramount in manufacturing plant-based nonsolid foods such as juices, purees, and sauces. Thermal processing has been widely used to preserve fruit- and vegetable-based products by reducing enzymatic and microbial activities, thereby ensuring safety and prolonged shelf life. However, the nutritional value of products is compromised due to the deleterious effects of thermal treatments on essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. To prevent the loss of nutrients associated with thermal treatment, alternative technologies are being researched extensively. In studies conducted on nonsolid food, UV-C treatment has been proven to preserve quality and minimize nutrient degradation. This review compiles information on the use of UV-C technology in preserving the nutritional attributes of nonsolid foods derived from fruit and vegetables. The legislation, market potential, consumer acceptance, and limitations of UV-C are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Daphnee Tchonkouang
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development and CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (R.D.T.); (A.R.L.); (A.C.Q.); (N.L.C.)
| | - Alexandre R. Lima
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development and CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (R.D.T.); (A.R.L.); (A.C.Q.); (N.L.C.)
| | - Andreia C. Quintino
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development and CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (R.D.T.); (A.R.L.); (A.C.Q.); (N.L.C.)
| | - Nathana L. Cristofoli
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development and CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (R.D.T.); (A.R.L.); (A.C.Q.); (N.L.C.)
| | - Margarida C. Vieira
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development and CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (R.D.T.); (A.R.L.); (A.C.Q.); (N.L.C.)
- Department of Food Engineering, High Institute of Engineering, Universidade do Algarve, Campus da Penha, 8000-139 Faro, Portugal
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3
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Photoactive decontamination and reuse of face masks. E-PRIME - ADVANCES IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, ELECTRONICS AND ENERGY 2023:100129. [PMCID: PMC9942455 DOI: 10.1016/j.prime.2023.100129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to global shortages in disposable respirators. Increasing the recycling rate of masks is a direct, low-cost strategy to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. Photoactive decontamination of used masks attracts great attention due to its fast response, remarkable virus inactivation effect and full protection integrity. Here, we review state-of-the-art situation of photoactive decontamination. The basic mechanism of photoactive decontamination is firstly discussed in terms of ultraviolet, photothermal or photocatalytic properties. Among which, ultraviolet radiation damages DNA and RNA to inactivate viruses and microorganisms, and photothermal method damages them by destroying proteins, while photocatalysis kills them by destroying the structure. The practical applications of photoactive decontamination strategies are then fully reviewed, including ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, and unconventional masks made of functional nanomaterials with photothermal or photocatalytic properties. Their performance requirements are elaborated together with the advantages of long-term recycle use. Finally, we put forward challenges and prospects for further development of photoactive decontamination technology.
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Al Qahtani S, Al Wuhayb F, Manaa H, Younis A, Sehar S. Environmental impact assessment of plastic waste during the outbreak of COVID-19 and integrated strategies for its control and mitigation. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:585-596. [PMID: 34592070 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many positive shifts have been observed in the ecosystem, with a significant decrease in the greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. On the other hand, there were unavoidable negative shifts due to a surge in demand for plastic products such as food and groceries' delivery packaging, single-use plastics, medical and personal protective equipment to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Plastic pollution can be considered as a key environmental issue in world due to the huge footprints of plastics on natural ecosystems and public health. Herein, we presented an overview on the rise of plastic pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential sources of plastic waste during COVID-19 with its negative effects on the environment such as marine ecosystems and the global economics are highlighted. We also suggested some strategies and recommendations to tackle plastic leakages by applying feedstock recycling, sterilization, and with the use of biodegradable plastics that have become a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel plastics. Also, the importance of elevating public awareness and some recommendations to mitigate plastic generated during the pandemic has been addressed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatimah Al Wuhayb
- College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Hacene Manaa
- Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Adnan Younis
- Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Shama Sehar
- College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain
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5
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Barbato L, Bernardelli F, Braga G, Clementini M, Di Gioia C, Littarru C, Oreglia F, Raspini M, Brambilla E, Iavicoli I, Pinchi V, Landi L, Sforza NM, Cavalcanti R, Crea A, Cairo F. Surface disinfection and protective masks for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses: A review by SIdP COVID-19 task force. Oral Dis 2022; 28 Suppl 2:2317-2325. [PMID: 32946152 PMCID: PMC7646272 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Primary focused question for this systematic review (SR) was "Which is the evidence about surfaces decontamination and protection masks for SARS-Cov-2 in dental practice?" Secondary question was "Which is the evidence about surfaces decontamination and protection masks against airborne pathogens and directly transmitted viral pathogens causing respiratory infections?" MATERIALS AND METHODS PRISMA guidelines were used. Studies on surface decontamination and protective masks for SARS-CoV-2 in dental practice were considered. Studies on other respiratory viruses were considered for the secondary question. RESULTS No studies are available for SARS-CoV-2. Four studies on surface disinfection against respiratory viruses were included. Ethanol 70% and sodium hypochlorite 0,5% seem to be effective in reducing infectivity by > 3log TCID. Four RCTs compared different types of masks on HCW. The single studies reported no difference for laboratory-diagnosed influenza, laboratory-diagnosed respiratory infection, and influenza-like illness. A meta-analysis was not considered appropriate. CONCLUSIONS There is lack of evidence on the efficacy of surface disinfection and protective masks to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 or other respiratory viruses in dentistry. However, the consistent use of respirator and routine surface disinfection is strongly suggested. There is urgent need of data on the efficacy of specific protection protocols for dental HCW against viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Barbato
- Research Unit in Periodontology and Periodontal MedicineDepartment of Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | | | | | - Marco Clementini
- Department of PeriodontologyUniversità Vita‐Salute San RaffaeleMilanoItaly
| | | | | | | | | | - Eugenio Brambilla
- Department of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Section of Occupational MedicineDepartment of Public HealthUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Vilma Pinchi
- Department of Health SciencesSection of Medical Forensic SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Luca Landi
- Private PracticeRomeItaly
- SIdPFlorenceItaly
| | | | | | | | - Francesco Cairo
- SIdPFlorenceItaly
- Research Unit in Periodontology and Periodontal MedicineDepartment of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
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Akouibaa A, Masrour R, Benhamou M, Derouiche A. Thermoplasmonics Decontamination of Respirators Face Masks Using Silver Nanoparticles: A New Weapon in the Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic. PLASMONICS (NORWELL, MASS.) 2022; 17:2307-2322. [PMID: 36276844 PMCID: PMC9580457 DOI: 10.1007/s11468-022-01718-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an urgent need for methods to decontaminate respirators masks for reuse while keeping them intact and functional. The severe shortage of professional masks such as N95 and FFP2 has necessitated their reuse over long periods. A very promising method is the pasteurization of these masks by thermoplasmonic heat generated by plasmonics nanoparticles when they are irradiated by light. Under illumination at its plasmonic resonance, a metal nanoparticle features enhanced light absorption, turning it into an ideal nano-source of heat, remotely controllable using light. In this work, we propose a numerical study based on the finite element method (FEM) of the thermoplasmonic properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorating polypropylene (PP) fibers which is a basic material for the manufacture of these masks. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of these nanostructures was investigated through the computation of the complex effective dielectric permittivity and the absorption cross section in the near UV-visible (NUV-Vis) range. First, the SPR characteristics of AgNPs for different morphologies are determined from the absorption spectra, including the SPR-peak position λmax and the electric field enhancement. Second, we determine the power absorbed by an individual AgNP of different morphologies. From this, we calculate the internal temperature increase of the particle at the plasmonic resonance. The last step is devoted to the determination of the temperature profile in the surrounding medium in order to better understand and design the plasmon-assisted heating processes at the nanometric scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelilah Akouibaa
- LPPSMM, Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, Hassan II University Casablanca, P.O. Box 7955, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Rachid Masrour
- Laboratory of Solid Physics, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Box 1796, Fez, Morocco
| | - Mabrouk Benhamou
- Dynamics of Complex Systems Laboratory, Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, P.O. Box 11201, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Abdelali Derouiche
- LPPSMM, Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, Hassan II University Casablanca, P.O. Box 7955, Casablanca, Morocco
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7
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Armentano I, Barbanera M, Belloni E, Crognale S, Lelli D, Marconi M, Calabrò G. Design and Analysis of a Novel Ultraviolet-C Device for Surgical Face Mask Disinfection. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:34117-34126. [PMID: 36188306 PMCID: PMC9520726 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper deals with the design of a compact sanitization device and the definition of a specific protocol for UV-C disinfection of a surgical face mask. The system was designed considering the material properties, face mask shape, and UV-C light distribution. DIALux software was used to evaluate the irradiance distribution provided by the lamps emitting in the UV-C range. The irradiance needed for UV-C-decontaminated bacteria and virus, and other contaminating pathogens, without compromising their integrity and guaranteeing inactivation of the bacteria, was evaluated. The face mask's material properties were analyzed with respect to UV-C exposure in terms of physicochemical properties, breathability, and bacterial filtration performance. Information on the effect of time-dependent passive decontamination at room temperature storage was provided. Single and multiple cycles of UV-C sanitization did not adversely affect respirator breathability and bacterial filtration efficiency. This multidisciplinal approach may provide important information on how it is possible to correctly sanitize a face mask and, in case of shortage, safely reuse the face mask.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Armentano
- Department
of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization (DEIM), University of Tuscia, Viterbo 01100, Italy
| | - Marco Barbanera
- Department
of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization (DEIM), University of Tuscia, Viterbo 01100, Italy
| | - Elisa Belloni
- Department
of Engineering, University of Perugia, Perugia 06125, Italy
| | - Silvia Crognale
- Department
for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo 01100, Italy
| | - Davide Lelli
- Department
for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo 01100, Italy
| | - Marco Marconi
- Department
of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization (DEIM), University of Tuscia, Viterbo 01100, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Calabrò
- Department
of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization (DEIM), University of Tuscia, Viterbo 01100, Italy
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8
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Song P, Han H, Feng H, Hui Y, Zhou T, Meng W, Yan J, Li J, Fang Y, Liu P, Li X, Li X. High altitude Relieves transmission risks of COVID-19 through meteorological and environmental factors: Evidence from China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113214. [PMID: 35405128 PMCID: PMC8993487 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Existing studies reported higher altitudes reduce the COVID-19 infection rate in the United States, Colombia, and Peru. However, the underlying reasons for this phenomenon remain unclear. In this study, regression analysis and mediating effect model were used in a combination to explore the altitudes relation with the pattern of transmission under their correlation factors. The preliminary linear regression analysis indicated a negative correlation between altitudes and COVID-19 infection in China. In contrast to environmental factors from low-altitude regions (<1500 m), high-altitude regions (>1500 m) exhibited lower PM2.5, average temperature (AT), and mobility, accompanied by high SO2 and absolute humidity (AH). Non-linear regression analysis further revealed that COVID-19 confirmed cases had a positive correlation with mobility, AH, and AT, whereas negatively correlated with SO2, CO, and DTR. Subsequent mediating effect model with altitude-correlated factors, such as mobility, AT, AH, DTR and SO2, suffice to discriminate the COVID-19 infection rate between low- and high-altitude regions. The mentioned evidence advance our understanding of the altitude-mediated COVID-19 transmission mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peizhi Song
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui South Road #222, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
| | - Huawen Han
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui South Road #222, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
| | - Hanzhong Feng
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui South Road #222, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
| | - Yun Hui
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui South Road #222, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
| | - Tuoyu Zhou
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui South Road #222, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
| | - Wenbo Meng
- Key Laboratory for Biological Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Transformation Gansu Province, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Jun Yan
- Key Laboratory for Biological Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Transformation Gansu Province, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Junfeng Li
- Key Laboratory for Biological Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Transformation Gansu Province, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Yitian Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Pu Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biological Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Transformation Gansu Province, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Xun Li
- Key Laboratory for Biological Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Transformation Gansu Province, Lanzhou, PR China.
| | - Xiangkai Li
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui South Road #222, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China.
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Córdoba-Lanús E, García-Pérez O, Rodríguez-Esparragón F, Bethencourt-Estrella CJ, Torres-Mata LB, Blanco A, Villar J, Sanz O, Díaz JJ, Martín-Barrasa JL, Serrano-Aguilar P, Piñero JE, Clavo B, Lorenzo-Morales J. Ozone treatment effectively eliminates SARS-CoV-2 from infected face masks. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271826. [PMID: 35867641 PMCID: PMC9307172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic is causing profound health, economic, and social problems worldwide. The global shortage of medical and personal protective equipment (PPE) in specialized centers during the outbreak demonstrated the need for efficient methods to disinfect and recycle them in times of emergency. We have previously described that high ozone concentrations destroyed viral RNA in an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 strain within a few minutes. However, the efficient ozone dosages for active SARS-CoV-2 are still unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the systematic effects of ozone exposure on face masks from hospitalized patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Face masks from COVID-19 patients were collected and treated with a clinical ozone generator at high ozone concentrations in small volumes for short periods. The study focused on SARS-CoV-2 gene detection (assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)) and on the virus inactivation by in vitro studies. We assessed the effects of different high ozone concentrations and exposure times on decontamination efficiency. We showed that high ozone concentrations (10,000, 2,000, and 4,000 ppm) and short exposure times (10, 10, and 2 minutes, respectively), inactivated both the original strain and the B.1.1.7 strain of SARS-CoV-2 from 24 contaminated face masks from COVID-19 patients. The validation results showed that the best condition for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation was a treatment of 4,000 ppm of ozone for 2 minutes. Further studies are in progress to advance the potential applications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Córdoba-Lanús
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias de la Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Interna Dermatología y Psiquiatría Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Red Cooperativa de Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (EC-L); (BC)
| | - Omar García-Pérez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias de la Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Interna Dermatología y Psiquiatría Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Red Cooperativa de Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Rodríguez-Esparragón
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
| | - Carlos J. Bethencourt-Estrella
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias de la Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Laura B. Torres-Mata
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), BioPharm Group Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Angeles Blanco
- Chemical Engineering & Materials Department, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Villar
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at the St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Oscar Sanz
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
- Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Juan J. Díaz
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
- Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José L. Martín-Barrasa
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
- Animal Infectious Diseases and Ictiopathology, Universitary Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Spain
| | - Pedro Serrano-Aguilar
- RETIC de Investigación en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Evaluación y Planificación del Servicio Canario de Salud (SESCS), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Red de Agencias de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias y Prestaciones del Sistema Nacional de Salud (RedETS), Madrid, Spain
| | - José-Enrique Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias de la Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Red Cooperativa de Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Bernardino Clavo
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (IISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain
- RETIC de Investigación en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Pain Unit Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- * E-mail: (EC-L); (BC)
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias de la Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Red Cooperativa de Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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10
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Santos-Rosales V, López-Iglesias C, Sampedro-Viana A, Alvarez-Lorenzo C, Ghazanfari S, Magariños B, García-González CA. Supercritical CO 2 sterilization: An effective treatment to reprocess FFP3 face masks and to reduce waste during COVID-19 pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 826:154089. [PMID: 35218842 PMCID: PMC8864888 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic unveiled an unprecedented scarcity of personal protective equipment (PPE) available in sanitary premises and for the population worldwide. This situation fostered the development of new strategies to reuse PPE that would ensure sterility and, simultaneously, preserve the filtering properties of the materials. In addition, the reuse of PPEs by reprocessing could reduce the environmental impact of the massive single-use and disposal of these materials. Conventional sterilization techniques such as steam or dry heat, ethylene oxide, and gamma irradiation may alter the functional properties of the PPEs and/or leave toxic residues. Supercritical CO2 (scCO2)-based sterilization is herein proposed as a safe, sustainable, and rapid sterilization method for contaminated face masks while preserving their performance. The functional (bacterial filtration efficiency, breathability, splash resistance, straps elasticity) properties of the processed FFP3 face masks were evaluated after 1 and 10 cycles of sterilization. Log-6 sterilization reduction levels were obtained for face masks contaminated with Bacillus pumilus endospores at mild operating conditions (CO2 at 39 °C and 100 bar for 30 min) and with low contents of H2O2 (150 ppm). Physicochemical properties of the FFP3 face masks remained unchanged after reprocessing and differences in efficacy were not observed neither in the filtration tests, following UNE-EN 14683, nor in the integrity of FFP3 filtration after the sterilization process. The herein presented method based on scCO2 technology is the first reported protocol achieving the reprocessing of FFP3 masks up to 10 cycles while preserving their functional properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Santos-Rosales
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Faculty of Pharmacy, iMATUS and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Clara López-Iglesias
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Faculty of Pharmacy, iMATUS and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Institute of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Chemistry), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ana Sampedro-Viana
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Faculty of Pharmacy, iMATUS and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Faculty of Pharmacy, iMATUS and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Samaneh Ghazanfari
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, 6167 RD Geleen, the Netherlands; Department of Biohybrid and Medical Textiles (BioTex), AME-Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Beatriz Magariños
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Biología, CIBUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carlos A García-González
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Faculty of Pharmacy, iMATUS and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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11
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de Almeida MTG, de Almeida BG, Siqueira JPZ, Byzynski Soares G, Sigari Morais V, Mitsue Yasuoka FM, Ghiglieno F. Ultraviolet-C Light-emitting Device Against Microorganisms in Beauty Salons. Pathog Immun 2022; 7:49-59. [PMID: 35795726 PMCID: PMC9249058 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v7i1.497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Ultraviolet light in the UV-C band is also known as germicidal radiation, and it is widely used for decontamination and disinfection of environments, water, and food. The ultraviolet source transfers electromagnetic energy from a mercury arc lamp to an organism's genetic material. When UV radiation penetrates the cell wall of an organism, it destroys the cell's ability to reproduce, through a physical and not chemical process. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of a new UV-C generating device (Asepsis) against clinically important microorganisms that may be present in beauty centers. Methods. We present here a set of tests performed on tools easy to find in beauty salons (hair-brushes, nail pliers, makeup brushes, and, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, face mask samples). They were individually contaminated with bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus), fungi (Microsporum canis, Trichophyton rubrum, Candida albicans, Malassezia furfur), and the Chikungunya virus. Different times of exposure were evaluated (1, 3, and 5 minutes). Results. There was notable reduction in the microbial load in every test, in comparison with control groups. Best results were observed on face mask samples, while the makeup brush showed less reduction, even with longer periods of exposure. Conclusions. Beauty salons present a risk of infections due to microbial exposure. The device tested can efficiently inactivate, in a short time, microorganisms contaminating most tools found in this setting. The device also showed promising results against enveloped virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarete Teresa Gottardo de Almeida
- Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Margarete Teresa Gottardo de Almeida, PhD, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), 5416 Brigadeiro Faria Lima Ave., São José do Rio Preto, Brazil. 15090-000; Phone: +55 17 3201-5843; E-mail:
| | - Bianca Gottardo de Almeida
- Universidade Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), campus of São José do Rio Preto (Ibilce), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Filippo Ghiglieno
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar) – Laboratório de Óptica, Laser e Fotônica (OLAF), São Carlos, Brazil
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12
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Boeing C, Sandten C, Hrincius ER, Anhlan D, Dworog A, Hanning S, Kuennemann T, Niehues C, Schupp T, Stec E, Thume J, Triphaus D, Wilkens M, Uphoff H, Zuendorf J, Jacobshagen A, Kreyenschmidt M, Ludwig S, Mertins HC, Mellmann A. Decontamination of disposable respirators for reuse in a pandemic employing in-situ-generated peracetic acid. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:420-426. [PMID: 34562528 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During shortages of filtering face pieces (FFP) in a pandemic, it is necessary to implement a method for safe reuse or extended use. Our aim was to develop a simple, inexpensive and ecological method for decontamination of disposable FFPs that preserves filtration efficiency and material integrity. MATERIAL AND METHODS Contamination of FFPs (3M Aura 9320+) with SARS-CoV-2 (1.15 × 104 PFUs), Enterococcus faecium (>106 CFUs), and physiological nasopharyngeal flora was performed prior to decontamination by submersion in a solution of 6 % acetic acid and 6 % hydrogen peroxide (6%AA/6%HP solution) over 30 minutes. Material integrity was assessed by testing the filtering efficiency, loss of fit and employing electron microscopy. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Decontamination with the 6%AA/6%HP solution resulted in the complete elimination of SARS-CoV-2, E. faecium and physiological nasopharyngeal flora. Material characterization post-treatment showed neither critical material degradation, loss of fit or reduction of filtration efficiency. Electron microscopy revealed no damage to the fibers, and the rubber bands' elasticity was not affected by the decontamination procedure. No concerning residuals of the decontamination procedure were found. CONCLUSION The simple application and widespread availability of 6%AA/6%HP solution for decontaminating disposable FFPs make this solution globally viable, including developing and third world countries.
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13
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Martinez E, Crèvecoeur S, Dams L, Rabecki F, Habraken S, Haubruge E, Daube G. Effect of five decontamination methods on face masks and filtering facepiece respirators contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Access Microbiol 2022; 4:000342. [PMID: 35693470 PMCID: PMC9175975 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. In the context of the global pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2, procurement of personal protective equipment during the crisis was problematic. The idea of reusing and decontaminating personal surgical masks in facilities was explored in order to avoid the accumulation of waste and overcome the lack of equipment.
Hypothesis. Our hypothesis is that this work will show the decontamination methods assessed are effective for bacteria, such as
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
.
Aim. We aim to provide information about the effects of five decontamination procedures (UV treatment, dry heat, vaporized H2O2, ethanol treatment and blue methylene treatment) on
S. aureus
and
P. aeruginosa
. These bacteria are the main secondary bacterial pathogens responsible for lung infections in the hospital environment.
Methodology. The surgical masks and the filtering facepiece respirators were inoculated with two bacterial strains (
S. aureus
ATCC 29213 and
P. aeruginosa
S0599) and submitted to five decontamination treatments: vaporized H2O2 (VHP), UV irradiation, dry heat treatment, ethanol bath treatment and blue methylene treatment. Direct and indirect microbiology assessments were performed on three positive controls, five treated masks and one negative control.
Results. The five decontaminations showed significant (P<0.05) but different degrees of reductions of
S. aureus
and
P. aeruginosa
. VHP, dry heat treatment and ethanol treatment adequately reduced the initial contamination. The 4 min UV treatment allowed only a reduction to five orders of magnitude for face mask respirators. The methylene blue treatment induced a reduction to two orders of magnitude.
Conclusions. The three methods that showed a log10 reduction factor of 6 were the dry heat method, VHP and ethanol bath treatment. These methods are effective and their establishment in the medical field are easy but require economic investment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Martinez
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Liege, Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Sciences, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Elisa Martinez,
| | - Sébastien Crèvecoeur
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Liege, Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Sciences, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Lorène Dams
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Liege, Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | | | - Serge Habraken
- Centre Spatial de Liege, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Eric Haubruge
- TERRA Research Centre, Gembloux AgroBiotech, University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Georges Daube
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Liege, Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Sciences, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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14
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Kruszewska E, Czupryna P, Pancewicz S, Martonik D, Bukłaha A, Moniuszko-Malinowska A. Is Peracetic Acid Fumigation Effective in Public Transportation? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052526. [PMID: 35270221 PMCID: PMC8909421 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic made more people aware of the danger of viruses and bacteria, which is why disinfection began to be used more and more often. Epidemiological safety must be ensured not only in gathering places, but also in home and work environments. It is especially challenging in public transportation, which is a perfect environment for the spread of infectious disease. Therefore, the aim of the study was the identification of bacteria in crowded places and the evaluation of the effect of fumigation with peracetic acid (PAA) in public transportation. Inactivation of microorganisms in buses and long-distance coaches was carried out using an automatic commercial fogging device filled with a solution of peracetic acid stabilized with acetic acid (AA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Before and after disinfection, samples were taken for microbiological tests. The most prevalent bacteria were Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus licheniformis.Staphylococcus epidermidis was only present in buses, whereas Staphylococcus hominis and Exiguobacterium acetylicum were only present in coaches. Statistical analysis showed a significant reduction in the number of microorganisms in samples taken from different surfaces after disinfection in vehicles. The overall effectiveness of disinfection was 81.7% in buses and 66.5% in coaches. Dry fog fumigation with peracetic acid is an effective method of disinfecting public transport vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Kruszewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540 Białystok, Poland; (P.C.); (S.P.); (A.M.-M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Piotr Czupryna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540 Białystok, Poland; (P.C.); (S.P.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Sławomir Pancewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540 Białystok, Poland; (P.C.); (S.P.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Diana Martonik
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Anna Bukłaha
- Department of Microbiological Diagnostics and Infectious Immunology, Medical University of Białystok, Waszyngtona 15A, 15-269 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540 Białystok, Poland; (P.C.); (S.P.); (A.M.-M.)
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15
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Shahin K, Zhang L, Mehraban MH, Collard JM, Hedayatkhah A, Mansoorianfar M, Soleimani-Delfan A, Wang R. Clinical and experimental bacteriophage studies: Recommendations for possible approaches for standing against SARS-CoV-2. Microb Pathog 2022; 164:105442. [PMID: 35151823 PMCID: PMC8830156 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In 2019, the world faced a serious health challenge, the rapid spreading of a life-threatening viral pneumonia, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a betacoronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As of January 2022 WHO statistics shows more than 5.6 million death and about 350 million infection by SARS-CoV-2. One of the life threatening aspects of COVID-19 is secondary infections and reduced efficacy of antibiotics against them. Since the beginning of COVID-19 many researches have been done on identification, treatment, and vaccine development. Bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) could offer novel approaches to detect, treat and control COVID-19. Phage therapy and in particular using phage cocktails can be used to control or eliminate the bacterial pathogen as an alternative or complementary therapeutic agent. At the same time, phage interaction with the host immune system can regulate the inflammatory response. In addition, phage display and engineered synthetic phages can be utilized to develop new vaccines and antibodies, stimulate the immune system, and elicit a rapid and well-appropriate defense response. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 new variants like delta and omicron has proved the urgent need for precise, efficient and novel approaches for vaccine development and virus detection techniques in which bacteriophages may be one of the plausible solutions. Therefore, phages with similar morphology and/or genetic content to that of coronaviruses can be used for ecological and epidemiological modeling of SARS-CoV-2 behavior and future generations of coronavirus, and in general new viral pathogens. This article is a comprehensive review/perspective of potential applications of bacteriophages in the fight against the present pandemic and the post-COVID era.
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16
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Supercritical carbon dioxide-based cleaning and sterilization treatments for the reuse of filtering facepiece respirators FFP2 in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. J Supercrit Fluids 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.supflu.2021.105428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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17
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Berger D, Gundermann G, Sinha A, Moroi M, Goyal N, Tsai A. Review of aerosolized hydrogen peroxide, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma in the decontamination of filtering facepiece respirators. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:203-213. [PMID: 34182069 PMCID: PMC8233052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to over 170?million cases worldwide with over 33.2?million cases and 594,000 deaths in the US alone as of May 31st, 2021. The pandemic has also created severe shortages of personal protective equipment, particularly of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued recommendations to help conserve FFRs, as well as crisis standards, including four criteria required for decontamination of the traditionally single use respirators. This review is designed to provide an overview of the current literature on vaporized hydrogen peroxide (vHP), hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP), and aerosolized hydrogen peroxide (aHP) with respect to each of the four CDC decontamination criteria. METHODS PubMed and Medrxiv were queried for relevant articles. All articles underwent a title and abstract screen as well as subsequent full text screen by two blinded reviewers if indicated. RESULTS Searches yielded 195 papers, of which, 79 were found to be relevant. Of those, 23 papers presented unique findings and 8 additional articles and technical papers were added to provide a comprehensive review. Overall, while there are potential concerns for all 3 decontamination methods, we found that vHP has the most evidence supporting its use in FFR decontamination consistent with CDC recommendation. CONCLUSIONS Future research is recommended to evaluate biological inactivation and real world fit failures after FFR reuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Morgan Moroi
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA,Division of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Anthony Tsai
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA,Address correspondence to Anthony Tsai, MD, Mail Code H113, 500 University Drive P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033
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18
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Harfoot R, Yung DBY, Anderson WA, Wild CEK, Coetzee N, Hernández LC, Lawley B, Pletzer D, Derraik JGB, Anderson YC, Quiñones-Mateu ME. Ultraviolet-C Irradiation, Heat, and Storage as Potential Methods of Inactivating SARS-CoV-2 and Bacterial Pathogens on Filtering Facepiece Respirators. Pathogens 2022; 11:83. [PMID: 35056031 PMCID: PMC8780977 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The arrival of SARS-CoV-2 to Aotearoa/New Zealand in February 2020 triggered a massive response at multiple levels. Procurement and sustainability of medical supplies to hospitals and clinics during the then upcoming COVID-19 pandemic was one of the top priorities. Continuing access to new personal protective equipment (PPE) was not guaranteed; thus, disinfecting and reusing PPE was considered as a potential alternative. Here, we describe part of a local program intended to test and implement a system to disinfect PPE for potential reuse in New Zealand. We used filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) coupons inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 or clinically relevant multidrug-resistant pathogens (Acinetobacter baumannii Ab5075, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 LAC and cystic-fibrosis isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa LESB58), to evaluate the potential use of ultraviolet-C germicidal irradiation (UV-C) or dry heat treatment to disinfect PPE. An applied UV-C dose of 1000 mJ/cm2 was sufficient to completely inactivate high doses of SARS-CoV-2; however, irregularities in the FFR coupons hindered the efficacy of UV-C to fully inactivate the virus, even at higher UV-C doses (2000 mJ/cm2). Conversely, incubating contaminated FFR coupons at 65 °C for 30 min or 70 °C for 15 min, was sufficient to block SARS-CoV-2 replication, even in the presence of mucin or a soil load (mimicking salivary or respiratory secretions, respectively). Dry heat (90 min at 75 °C to 80 °C) effectively killed 106 planktonic bacteria; however, even extending the incubation time up to two hours at 80 °C did not completely kill bacteria when grown in colony biofilms. Importantly, we also showed that FFR material can harbor replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 for up to 35 days at room temperature in the presence of a soil load. We are currently using these findings to optimize and establish a robust process for decontaminating, reusing, and reducing wastage of PPE in New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhodri Harfoot
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (R.H.); (D.B.Y.Y.); (L.C.H.); (B.L.); (D.P.)
| | - Deborah B. Y. Yung
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (R.H.); (D.B.Y.Y.); (L.C.H.); (B.L.); (D.P.)
| | - William A. Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
| | - Cervantée E. K. Wild
- Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (C.E.K.W.); (N.C.); (J.G.B.D.)
| | - Nicolene Coetzee
- Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (C.E.K.W.); (N.C.); (J.G.B.D.)
| | - Leonor C. Hernández
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (R.H.); (D.B.Y.Y.); (L.C.H.); (B.L.); (D.P.)
| | - Blair Lawley
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (R.H.); (D.B.Y.Y.); (L.C.H.); (B.L.); (D.P.)
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (R.H.); (D.B.Y.Y.); (L.C.H.); (B.L.); (D.P.)
| | - José G. B. Derraik
- Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (C.E.K.W.); (N.C.); (J.G.B.D.)
| | - Yvonne C. Anderson
- Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (C.E.K.W.); (N.C.); (J.G.B.D.)
| | - Miguel E. Quiñones-Mateu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (R.H.); (D.B.Y.Y.); (L.C.H.); (B.L.); (D.P.)
- Webster Centre for Infectious Diseases, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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19
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Danigno JF, Echeverria MS, Tillmann TFF, Liskoski BV, Silveira MGDSES, Fernandez MDS, Silva NRJD, Laroque MB, Silva AER. Fatores associados à redução de atendimentos odontológicos na Atenção Primária à Saúde no Brasil, com o surgimento da COVID-19: estudo transversal, 2020. EPIDEMIOLOGIA E SERVIÇOS DE SAÚDE 2022; 31:e2021663. [DOI: 10.1590/s1679-49742022000100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Objetivo: Analisar fatores associados à redução de atendimentos odontológicos na Atenção Primária à Saúde, durante pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com cirurgiões-dentistas das unidades básicas de saúde (UBS). O desfecho foi a redução dos atendimentos odontológicos, e as variáveis de exposição, dados sociodemográficos, disponibilidade de equipamentos de proteção individual (EPIs) e medidas adotadas pela UBS na pandemia. Realizou-se regressão de Poisson para determinar razão de prevalências e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: A redução de atendimentos acima de 50% após o início da pandemia foi relatada por 62,6% dos 958 participantes. Adoção de protocolos de biossegurança (RP = 1,04; IC95% 1,01;1,07), disponibilidade de EPIs preconizados por novos protocolos (RP = 0,94; IC95% 0,89;0,99) e adoção da teletriagem (RP = 0,90; IC95% 0,85;0,96) estiveram associados à redução. Conclusão: A disponibilização dos novos EPIs e a implementação da teletriagem nas UBS parecem ter minimizado a redução dos atendimentos odontológicos após o início da pandemia.
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20
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Kanaujia R, Angrup A, Biswal M, Sehgal IS, Ray P. Factors affecting decontamination of N95 masks for reuse: Feasibility & practicality of various methods. Indian J Med Res 2021; 153:591-605. [PMID: 34414923 PMCID: PMC8555604 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_3842_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to an enormous increase in cases worldwide in a short time. The potential shortage might call for the reuse of personal protective equipment especially N95 masks. In this review, the methods available for decontamination of N95 masks have been compared to highlight the advantages and efficacies of different methods. Studies conducted to evaluate the biocidal efficacy, effect on filtration efficacy of the decontamination method, and maintenance of structural integrity of masks, were reviewed. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) vapour were the most commonly evaluated interventions and showed good germicidal activity without significant deleterious effects on mask performance. Vapourous H2O2 was the best method as it maintained NIOSH (The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) recommendations of the mask on re-use and additionally, one mask could be decontaminated and reused 30 times. Ethylene oxide (EtO) preserved the maximum filtration efficacy and flow resistance. Chemical and heat-based methods had the advantages of being cost-effective and feasible but affected the structural integrity and fit of the masks. For the decontamination of N95 masks, among the heat-based methods steam was found to be the best for low middle-income countries setting. H2O2-based methods, UVGI, and EtO all exhibited both adequate biocidal efficacies and functionality (fit testing and structural integrity). Further studies on logistics, healthcare worker acceptability of reuse, and actual efficacy of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection should be carried out to validate the use of decontamination in the real-life settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimjhim Kanaujia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Archana Angrup
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Manisha Biswal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Inderpaul Singh Sehgal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pallab Ray
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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21
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Gir E, Menegueti MG, Sousa LRM, Pereira-Caldeira NMV, de Carvalho MJ, Reis RK. Reusing and/or reprocessing the N95 face respirator mask or equivalent: An integrative review. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2021; 29:e3492. [PMID: 34730768 PMCID: PMC8570250 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.5135.3492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to analyze the scientific evidence available on the different reprocessing methods and the necessary conditions for reuse of the N95 face respirator mask or equivalent. METHOD an integrative literature review. The PICO strategy was used to elaborate the question. The search was conducted in four databases: PubMed, SciVerse Scopus, WebofScience and EMBASE, considering any period of time. RESULTS a total of 32 studies were included from the 561 studies identified, and they were presented in two categories: "Conditions for reuse" and "Reprocessing the masks". Of the evaluated research studies, seven(21.8%) addressed the reuse of the N95 face respirator mask or equivalent and 25(78.1%) evaluated different reprocessing methods, namely: ultraviolet germicidal irradiation(14); hydrogen peroxide(8); vapor methods(14); using dry heat(5) and chemical methods(sodium hypochlorite[6], ethanol[4] and sodium chloride with sodium bicarbonate and dimethyldioxirane[1]). We emphasize that different methods were used in one same article. CONCLUSION no evidence was found to support safe reprocessing of face respirator masks. In addition, reuse is contraindicated due to the risk of self-contamination and inadequate sealing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elucir Gir
- Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto,
PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto, SP,
Brazil
| | - Mayra Gonçalves Menegueti
- Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto,
PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto, SP,
Brazil
| | - Laelson Rochelle Milanês Sousa
- Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto,
PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto, SP,
Brazil
| | - Natália Maria Vieira Pereira-Caldeira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto,
PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto, SP,
Brazil
| | | | - Renata Karina Reis
- Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto,
PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto, SP,
Brazil
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22
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Impact of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation on new silicone half-piece elastometric respirator (VJR-NMU) performance, structural integrity and sterility during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258245. [PMID: 34648544 PMCID: PMC8516203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the innovation of our new half-piece elastometric respirator, this type of filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) has been used widely in Thailand. Decontamination methods including ultraviolet C (UVC) germicidal irradiation and 70% alcohol have been implemented to decontaminate these respirators. We then examined the inactivation potential of different decontamination processes on porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and numerous bacterial strains, most of which were skin-derived. To enable rigorous integrity of the masks after repeated decontamination processes, fit tests by the Bitrex test, tensile strength and elongation at break were also evaluated. Our results showed that UVC irradiation at a dose of 3 J/cm2 can eradicate bacteria after 60 min and viruses after 10 min. No fungi were found on the mask surface before decontamination. The good fit test results, tensile strength and elongation at break were still maintained after multiple cycles of decontamination. No evidence of physical degradation was found by gross visual inspection. Alcohol (70%) is also an easy and effective way to eradicate microorganisms on respirators. As the current pandemic is expected to continue for months to years, the need to supply adequate reserves of personnel protective equipment (PPE) and develop effective PPE reprocessing methods is crucial. Our studies demonstrated that the novel silicone mask can be safely reprocessed and decontaminated for many cycles by UVC irradiation, which will help ameliorate the shortage of important protective devices in the COVID-19 pandemic era.
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23
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The concept of an e-platform cooperation model in the field of 3D printing during the COVID-19 pandemic. PROCEDIA COMPUTER SCIENCE 2021; 192:4083-4092. [PMID: 34630758 PMCID: PMC8486229 DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2021.09.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented public health and economic crises around the world. The protection of human health and life has become the most important challenge. Disrupted supply chains resulted in shortages in the supply of essential medical equipment and personal protective equipment. The quick response to this situation was the use of 3D printers for the production of this type of article, especially for the medical service. The initial experience presented in this article (the review of solutions and initiatives based on cooperation in the field of 3D printing during the first wave of the pandemic) showed the challenges faced by organizations engaged in 3D printing during the pandemic. The performed identification and compilation of the difficulties that occurred during cooperation in crisis conditions allowed the author of this article to present an original proposal to minimize the most important of these problems. The main purpose of the article is to present the concept of a cooperation model based on an internet platform in the field of 3D printing during the COVID-19 pandemic, which will allow to increase the efficiency of management of activities necessary in crisis conditions.
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Peters A, Lotfinejad N, Palomo R, Zingg W, Parneix P, Ney H, Pittet D. Decontaminating N95/FFP2 masks for reuse during the COVID-19 epidemic: a systematic review. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2021; 10:144. [PMID: 34635165 PMCID: PMC8503730 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00993-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the current COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare facilities have been lacking a steady supply of filtering facepiece respirators. To better address this challenge, the decontamination and reuse of these respirators is a strategy that has been studied by an increasing number of institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review in PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, and Google Scholar. Studies were eligible when (electronically or in print) up to 17 June 2020, and published in English, French, German, or Spanish. The primary outcome was reduction of test viruses or test bacteria by log3 for disinfection and log6 for sterilization. Secondary outcome was physical integrity (fit/filtration/degradation) of the respirators after reprocessing. Materials from the grey literature, including an unpublished study were added to the findings. FINDINGS Of 938 retrieved studies, 35 studies were included in the analysis with 70 individual tests conducted. 17 methods of decontamination were found, included the use of liquids (detergent, benzalkonium chloride, hypochlorite, or ethanol), gases (hydrogen peroxide, ozone, peracetic acid or ethylene oxide), heat (either moist with or without pressure or dry heat), or ultra violet radiation (UVA and UVGI); either alone or in combination. Ethylene oxide, gaseous hydrogen peroxide (with or without peracetic acid), peracetic acid dry fogging system, microwave-generated moist heat, and steam seem to be the most promising methods on decontamination efficacy, physical integrity and filtration capacity. INTERPRETATION A number of methods can be used for N95/FFP2 mask reprocessing in case of shortage, helping to keep healthcare workers and patients safe. However, the selection of disinfection or sterilization methods must take into account local availability and turnover capacity as well as the manufacturer; meaning that some methods work better on specific models from specific manufacturers. SYSTEMATIC REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020193309.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Peters
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Center on Patient Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 4 Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland
- University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Walter Zingg
- Infection Control Programme, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Parneix
- Nouvelle Aquitaine Healthcare-Associated Infection Control Centre, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hervé Ney
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Center on Patient Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 4 Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland
| | - Didier Pittet
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Center on Patient Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 4 Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland.
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25
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Armstrong WJ, Dayal NN, Braun WA. Beyond COVID-19: Preparing Fitness Centers for the Next Pandemic. Strength Cond J 2021. [DOI: 10.1519/ssc.0000000000000626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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26
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Probst LF, Guerrero ATG, Cardoso AIDQ, Grande AJ, Croda MG, Venturini J, Fonseca MCDC, Paniago AMM, Barreto JOM, de Oliveira SMDVL. Mask decontamination methods (model N95) for respiratory protection: a rapid review. Syst Rev 2021; 10:219. [PMID: 34364396 PMCID: PMC8349237 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01742-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N95 respiratory protection masks are used by healthcare professionals to prevent contamination from infectious microorganisms transmitted by droplets or aerosols. METHODS We conducted a rapid review of the literature analyzing the effectiveness of decontamination methods for mask reuse. The database searches were carried out up to September 2020. The systematic review was conducted in a way which simplified the stages of a complete systematic review, due to the worldwide necessity for reliable fast evidences on this matter. RESULTS A total of 563 articles were retrieved of which 48 laboratory-based studies were selected. Fifteen decontamination methods were included in the studies. A total of 19 laboratory studies used hydrogen peroxide, 21 studies used ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, 4 studies used ethylene oxide, 11 studies used dry heat, 9 studies used moist heat, 5 studies used ethanol, two studies used isopropanol solution, 11 studies used microwave oven, 10 studies used sodium hypochlorite, 7 studies used autoclave, 3 studies used an electric rice cooker, 1 study used cleaning wipes, 1 study used bar soap, 1 study used water, 1 study used multi-purpose high-level disinfection cabinet, and another 1 study used chlorine dioxide. Five methods that are promising are as follows: hydrogen peroxide vapor, ultraviolet irradiation, dry heat, wet heat/pasteurization, and microwave ovens. CONCLUSIONS We have presented the best available evidence on mask decontamination; nevertheless, its applicability is limited due to few studies on the topic and the lack of studies on real environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Fernandes Probst
- Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
- Health Technology Assessment Unit, Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Tereza Gomes Guerrero
- Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals: Bio-Manguinhos. Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio Jose Grande
- Faculty of Medicine , State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | | | - James Venturini
- Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul , Campo Grande, Brazil
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27
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Ontiveros CC, Shoults DC, MacIsaac S, Rauch KD, Sweeney CL, Stoddart AK, Gagnon GA. Specificity of UV-C LED disinfection efficacy for three N95 respirators. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15350. [PMID: 34321542 PMCID: PMC8319424 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94810-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent surge in the use of UV technology for personal protective equipment (PPE) has created a unique learning opportunity for the UV industry to deepen surface disinfection knowledge, especially on surfaces with complex geometries, such as the N95 filter facepiece respirators (FFR). The work outlined in this study addresses the interconnectedness of independent variables (e.g., UV Fluence, respirator material) that require consideration when assessing UV light efficacy for disinfecting respirators. Through electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, we characterized respirator filter layers and revealed that polymer type affects disinfection efficacy. Specifically, FFR layers made from polypropylene (PP) (hydrophobic in nature) resulted in higher disinfection efficiency than layers composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET-P) (hygroscopic in nature). An analysis of elastic band materials on the respirators indicated that silicone rubber-based bands achieved higher disinfection efficiency than PET-P bands and have a woven, fabric-like texture. While there is a strong desire to repurpose respirators, through this work we demonstrated that the design of an appropriate UV system is essential and that only respirators meeting specific design criteria may be reasonable for repurposing via UV disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Carolina Ontiveros
- Centre for Water Resources and Studies, Department of Civil and Resource Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington St, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - David C Shoults
- Centre for Water Resources and Studies, Department of Civil and Resource Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington St, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Sean MacIsaac
- Centre for Water Resources and Studies, Department of Civil and Resource Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington St, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Kyle D Rauch
- Centre for Water Resources and Studies, Department of Civil and Resource Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington St, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Crystal L Sweeney
- Centre for Water Resources and Studies, Department of Civil and Resource Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington St, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Amina K Stoddart
- Centre for Water Resources and Studies, Department of Civil and Resource Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington St, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Graham A Gagnon
- Centre for Water Resources and Studies, Department of Civil and Resource Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1360 Barrington St, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.
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Thaper R, Fagen B, Oh J. Decontamination of respirators amid shortages due to SARS-CoV-2. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021; 20:955-965. [PMID: 34118013 PMCID: PMC8196272 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-021-00064-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic created by SARS-CoV-2 has caused a shortage in the supplies of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), disposable respirators with at least 95% efficiency to remove non-oily airborne particles, due to increasing cases all over the world. The current article reviewed various possible decontamination methods for FFR reuse including ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV), microwave-generated steam (MGS), hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP), and 70% or higher ethanol solution. HPV decontamination was effective against bacterial spores (6 log10 reduction of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores) on FFRs and viruses (> 4 log10 reduction of various types of viruses) on inanimate surfaces, and no degradation of respirator materials and fit has been reported. 70% or higher ethanol decontamination showed high efficacy in inactivation of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces (> 3.9 log10 reduction) but it was lower on FFRs which filtration efficiency was also decreased. UVGI method had good biocidal efficacy on FFRs (> 3 log10 reduction of H1N1 virus) combined with inexpensive, readily available equipment; however, it was more time-consuming to ensure sufficient reduction in SARS-CoV-2. MGS treatment also provided good viral decontamination on FFRs (> 4 log10 reduction of H1N1 virus) along with less time-intensive process and readily available equipment while inconsistent disinfection on the treated surfaces and deterioration of nose cushion of FFRs were observed. HPGP was a good virucidal system (> 6 log10 reduction of Vesicular stomatitis virus) but filtration efficiency after decontamination was inconsistent. Overall, HPV appeared to be one of the most promising methods based on the high biocidal efficacy on FFRs, preservation of respirator performance after multiple cycles, and no residual chemical toxicity. Nonetheless, equipment cost and time of the HPV process and a suitable operating room need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Thaper
- Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Brendan Fagen
- Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Jonghwa Oh
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0022, USA.
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Effectiveness of germicidal ultraviolet light to inactivate coronaviruses on personal protective equipment to reduce nosocomial transmission. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 43:886-891. [PMID: 34154679 PMCID: PMC9272544 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To circumvent the need for rationing personal protective equipment (PPE), we explored whether germicidal ultraviolet light (GUV) could be used to inactivate human coronaviruses on PPE, enabling safe reuse. DESIGN We performed a laboratory study to assess the ability of 2 commercially available portable GUV devices to inactivate 2 common cold coronaviruses (HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), on the surface of whole N95 respirators and coupons cut from those respirators. We experimentally contaminated N95 respirators with coronavirus cultures and then assessed viral inactivation after GUV exposure by plaque assay, the median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) assay, and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS We found that GUV could efficiently inactivate coronaviruses on the surface of N95 masks, with an average reduction in viral titers of 5-log for HCoV-229E, 3-log for HCoV-OC43, and 5-log for SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the GUV susceptibility of HCoV-229E was similar on coupons and whole N95 respirators. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that diverse human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, are susceptible to GUV inactivation, and 2 scalable portable GUV devices were effective in inactivating coronaviruses on N95 respirators. Thus, GUV treatment with commercially scalable devices may be an effective method to decontaminate PPE, allowing their safe reuse.
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30
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The 2019 global pandemic and plastic pollution prevention measures: Playing catch-up. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021. [PMCID: PMC8529585 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The early 2000's encompassed a rising awareness by the scientific community, the general public and policy makers of the impending environmental catastrophe caused by the increasing prevalence of plastics in the environment. Soon thereafter, a slew of regulatory initiatives and policies and actions targeting plastic pollution were put forth by governments, international institutions, non-governmental organizations, companies and even by citizen groups. However, the 2020 COVID19 pandemic has disrupted this momentum, and, presently, many fear that plastic pollution will increase, not only due to the increased consumption of single-use plastic items, but also due to the ever growing need of personal protective equipment. Many plastic pollution reduction policies have been suspended, cancelled or postponed. Herein, some of these delayed policies and initiatives are overviewed and, based on publicly available data, the questions as to whether, at a global level, increased government action to address plastic pollution will continue, or will the pandemic change this paradigm, are tentatively answered, as well as whether the pandemic will affect plastic production, in particular, single-use plastics, and what the potential routes to overcome these tendencies may be. As such, the dynamics of the interaction between the restrictive measures adopted in the wake of this pandemic and plastic pollution are examined, as are the roles of different legislative and regulatory bodies, whether at the local, regional or international levels.
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31
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Cadnum JL, Pearlmutter BS, Li DF, Jencson AL, Scott JG, Charnas IC, Donskey CJ. Evaluation of 2 Ultraviolet-C Light Boxes for Decontamination of N95 Respirators. Pathog Immun 2021; 6:104-115. [PMID: 34136729 PMCID: PMC8201793 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v6i1.432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light devices are effective in reducing contamination on N95 filtering facepiece respirators. However, limited information is available on whether UV-C devices meet the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) microbiological requirements for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for respirator bioburden reduction. Methods: We tested the ability of 2 UV-C light boxes to achieve the 3-log10 microorganism reductions required for EUA for reuse by single users. Whole 3M 1860 or Moldex 1513 respirators were inoculated on the exterior facepiece, interior facepiece, and internal fibers with bacteriophage MS2 and/or 4 strains of bacteria and treated with UV-C cycles of 1 or 20 minutes. Colorimetric indicators were used to assess penetration of UV-C through the respirators. Results: For 1 UV-C box, a 20-minute treatment achieved the required bioburden reduction for Moldex 1513 but not 3M 1860 respirators. For the second UV-C box, a 1-minute treatment achieved the required bioburden reduction in 4 bacterial strains for the Moldex 1513 respirator. Colorimetric indicators demonstrated penetration of UV-C through all layers of the Moldex 1513 respirator but not the 3M 1860 respirator. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that UV-C box technologies can achieve bioburden reductions required by the FDA for EUA for single users but highlight the potential for variable efficacy for different types of respirators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Cadnum
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Daniel F Li
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Annette L Jencson
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jacob G Scott
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio.,Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ian C Charnas
- Case Western Reserve University School of Engineering and Sears think[box], Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Curtis J Donskey
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.,Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
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32
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Franke G, Knobling B, Brill FH, Becker B, Klupp EM, Belmar Campos C, Pfefferle S, Lütgehetmann M, Knobloch JK. An automated room disinfection system using ozone is highly active against surrogates for SARS-CoV-2. J Hosp Infect 2021; 112:108-113. [PMID: 33864891 PMCID: PMC8046700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of coronaviruses on surfaces in the patient environment is a potential source of indirect transmission. Manual cleaning and disinfection measures do not always achieve sufficient removal of surface contamination. This increases the importance of automated solutions in the context of final disinfection of rooms in the hospital setting. Ozone is a highly effective disinfectant which, combined with high humidity, is an effective agent against respiratory viruses. Current devices allow continuous nebulization for high room humidity as well as ozone production without any consumables. AIM In the following study, the effectiveness of a fully automatic room decontamination system based on ozone was tested against bacteriophage Φ6 (phi 6) and bovine coronavirus L9, as surrogate viruses for the pandemic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. METHODS For this purpose, various surfaces (ceramic tile, stainless steel surface and furniture board) were soiled with the surrogate viruses and placed at two different levels in a gas-tight test room. After using the automatic decontamination device according to the manufacturer's instructions, the surrogate viruses were recovered from the surfaces and examined by quantitative cultures. Then, reduction factors were calculated. FINDINGS The ozone-based room decontamination device achieved virucidal efficacy (reduction factor >4 log10) against both surrogate organisms regardless of the different surfaces and positions confirming a high activity under the used conditions. CONCLUSION Ozone is highly active against SARS-CoV-2 surrogate organisms. Further investigations are necessary for a safe application and efficacy in practice as well as integration into routine processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Franke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - B Knobling
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - F H Brill
- Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - B Becker
- Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - E M Klupp
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Belmar Campos
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - S Pfefferle
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Lütgehetmann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - J K Knobloch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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John AR, Raju S, Cadnum JL, Lee K, McClellan P, Akkus O, Miller SK, Jennings WD, Buehler JA, Li DF, Redmond SN, Braskie M, Hoyen CK, Donskey CJ. Scalable in-hospital decontamination of N95 filtering face-piece respirator with a peracetic acid room disinfection system. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021. [PMID: 33040749 DOI: 10.1101/2020.04.24.20073973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critical shortages of personal protective equipment, especially N95 respirators, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to be a source of concern. Novel methods of N95 filtering face-piece respirator decontamination that can be scaled-up for in-hospital use can help address this concern and keep healthcare workers (HCWs) safe. METHODS A multidisciplinary pragmatic study was conducted to evaluate the use of an ultrasonic room high-level disinfection system (HLDS) that generates aerosolized peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide for decontamination of large numbers of N95 respirators. A cycle duration that consistently achieved disinfection of N95 respirators (defined as ≥6 log10 reductions in bacteriophage MS2 and Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores inoculated onto respirators) was identified. The treated masks were assessed for changes to their hydrophobicity, material structure, strap elasticity, and filtration efficiency. PAA and hydrogen peroxide off-gassing from treated masks were also assessed. RESULTS The PAA room HLDS was effective for disinfection of bacteriophage MS2 and G. stearothermophilus spores on respirators in a 2,447 cubic-foot (69.6 cubic-meter) room with an aerosol deployment time of 16 minutes and a dwell time of 32 minutes. The total cycle time was 1 hour and 16 minutes. After 5 treatment cycles, no adverse effects were detected on filtration efficiency, structural integrity, or strap elasticity. There was no detectable off-gassing of PAA and hydrogen peroxide from the treated masks at 20 and 60 minutes after the disinfection cycle, respectively. CONCLUSION The PAA room disinfection system provides a rapidly scalable solution for in-hospital decontamination of large numbers of N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita R John
- Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Shine Raju
- Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jennifer L Cadnum
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kipum Lee
- UH Ventures, Innovation Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
- Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Phillip McClellan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ozan Akkus
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Orthopedics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sharon K Miller
- NASA Glenn Research Center, Environmental Effects and Coatings Branch, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | | | - Daniel F Li
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sarah N Redmond
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Melissa Braskie
- Department of Environmental Health and Safety, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Claudia K Hoyen
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Curtis J Donskey
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
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Gnatta JR, Souza RQD, Lemos CDS, Oliveira RA, Martins LR, Moriya GADA, Poveda VDB. Safety in the practice of decontaminating filtering facepiece respirators: A systematic review. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:825-835. [PMID: 33279587 PMCID: PMC8024221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the new SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the potential scarcity of material resources, the reuse of personal protective equipment such as filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) for N95 filtering or higher is being discussed, mainly regarding the effectiveness and safety of cleaning, disinfection and sterilization processes. AIM To analyze the available evidence in the literature on the safety in processing FFRs. METHODS A systematic review conducted by searching for studies in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. RESULTS Forty studies were included in this review. The disinfectant/sterilizing agents most frequently tested at different concentrations and exposure periods were ultraviolet irradiation, vaporized hydrogen peroxide and steam sterilization. Microbial reduction was assessed in 21 (52.5%) studies. The only disinfectants/sterilizers that did not caused degradation of the material-integrity were alcohol, electric cooker, ethylene oxide, and peracetic acid fogging. Exposure to ultraviolet irradiation or microwave generated-steam resulted in a nonsignificant reduction in filter performance. CONCLUSION There is a complex relationship between the FFR raw materials and the cycle conditions of the decontamination methods, evidencing the need for validating FFRs by models and manufacturers, as well as the process. Some methods may require additional tests to demonstrate the safety of FFRs for use due to toxicity.
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John AR, Raju S, Cadnum JL, Lee K, McClellan P, Akkus O, Miller SK, Jennings WD, Buehler JA, Li DF, Redmond SN, Braskie M, Hoyen CK, Donskey CJ. Scalable in-hospital decontamination of N95 filtering face-piece respirator with a peracetic acid room disinfection system. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 42:678-687. [PMID: 33040749 PMCID: PMC7642971 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2020.1257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critical shortages of personal protective equipment, especially N95 respirators, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to be a source of concern. Novel methods of N95 filtering face-piece respirator decontamination that can be scaled-up for in-hospital use can help address this concern and keep healthcare workers (HCWs) safe. METHODS A multidisciplinary pragmatic study was conducted to evaluate the use of an ultrasonic room high-level disinfection system (HLDS) that generates aerosolized peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide for decontamination of large numbers of N95 respirators. A cycle duration that consistently achieved disinfection of N95 respirators (defined as ≥6 log10 reductions in bacteriophage MS2 and Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores inoculated onto respirators) was identified. The treated masks were assessed for changes to their hydrophobicity, material structure, strap elasticity, and filtration efficiency. PAA and hydrogen peroxide off-gassing from treated masks were also assessed. RESULTS The PAA room HLDS was effective for disinfection of bacteriophage MS2 and G. stearothermophilus spores on respirators in a 2,447 cubic-foot (69.6 cubic-meter) room with an aerosol deployment time of 16 minutes and a dwell time of 32 minutes. The total cycle time was 1 hour and 16 minutes. After 5 treatment cycles, no adverse effects were detected on filtration efficiency, structural integrity, or strap elasticity. There was no detectable off-gassing of PAA and hydrogen peroxide from the treated masks at 20 and 60 minutes after the disinfection cycle, respectively. CONCLUSION The PAA room disinfection system provides a rapidly scalable solution for in-hospital decontamination of large numbers of N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita R. John
- Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Shine Raju
- Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jennifer L. Cadnum
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kipum Lee
- UH Ventures, Innovation Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
- Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Phillip McClellan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ozan Akkus
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Orthopedics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sharon K. Miller
- NASA Glenn Research Center, Environmental Effects and Coatings Branch, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | | | - Daniel F. Li
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sarah N. Redmond
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Melissa Braskie
- Department of Environmental Health and Safety, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Claudia K. Hoyen
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Curtis J. Donskey
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
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Peters A, Palomo R, Ney H, Lotfinejad N, Zingg W, Parneix P, Pittet D. The COVID-19 pandemic and N95 masks: reusability and decontamination methods. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2021; 10:83. [PMID: 34051855 PMCID: PMC8164050 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00921-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many healthcare facilities are lacking a steady supply of masks worldwide. This emergency situation warrants the taking of extraordinary measures to minimize the negative health impact from an insufficient supply of masks. The decontamination, and reuse of healthcare workers' N95/FFP2 masks is a promising solution which needs to overcome several pitfalls to become a reality. AIM The overall aim of this article is to provide the reader with a quick overview of the various methods for decontamination and the potential issues to be taken into account when deciding to reuse masks. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), hydrogen peroxide, steam, ozone, ethylene oxide, dry heat and moist heat have all been methods studied in the context of the pandemic. The article first focuses on the logistical implementation of a decontamination system in its entirety, and then aims to summarize and analyze the different available methods for decontamination. METHODS In order to have a clear understanding of the research that has already been done, we conducted a systematic literature review for the questions: what are the tested methods for decontaminating N95/FFP2 masks, and what impact do those methods have on the microbiological contamination and physical integrity of the masks? We used the results of a systematic review on the methods of microbiological decontamination of masks to make sure we covered all of the recommended methods for mask reuse. To this systematic review we added articles and studies relevant to the subject, but that were outside the limits of the systematic review. These include a number of studies that performed important fit and function tests on the masks but took their microbiological outcomes from the existing literature and were thus excluded from the systematic review, but useful for this paper. We also used additional unpublished studies and internal communication from the University of Geneva Hospitals and partner institutions. RESULTS This paper analyzes the acceptable methods for respirator decontamination and reuse, and scores them according to a number of variables that we have defined as being crucial (including cost, risk, complexity, time, etc.) to help healthcare facilities decide which method of decontamination is right for them. CONCLUSION We provide a resource for healthcare institutions looking at making informed decisions about respirator decontamination. This informed decision making will help to improve infection prevention and control measures, and protect healthcare workers during this crucial time. The overall take home message is that institutions should not reuse respirators unless they have to. In the case of an emergency situation, there are some safe ways to decontaminate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Peters
- Infection Control Programme, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 4 Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland
| | | | - Hervé Ney
- Infection Control Programme, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 4 Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland
| | - Nasim Lotfinejad
- Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Walter Zingg
- Infection Control Programme, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 4 Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Parneix
- Nouvelle Aquitaine Healthcare-Associated Infection Control Centre, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Didier Pittet
- Infection Control Programme, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 4 Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland.
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Chiappa F, Frascella B, Vigezzi GP, Moro M, Diamanti L, Gentile L, Lago P, Clementi N, Signorelli C, Mancini N, Odone A. The efficacy of ultraviolet light-emitting technology against coronaviruses: a systematic review. J Hosp Infect 2021; 114:63-78. [PMID: 34029626 PMCID: PMC8139389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has underlined the importance of adopting effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in hospital and community settings. Ultraviolet (UV)-based technologies represent promising IPC tools: their effective application for sanitation has been extensively evaluated in the past but scant, heterogeneous and inconclusive evidence is available on their effect on SARS-CoV-2 transmission. With the aim of pooling the available evidence on the efficacy of UV technologies against coronaviruses, we conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library, and the main clinical trials' registries (WHO ICTRP, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane and EU Clinical Trial Register). Quantitative data on studies' interventions were summarized in tables, pooled by different coronavirus species and strain, UV source, characteristics of UV light exposure and outcomes. Eighteen papers met our inclusion criteria, published between 1972 and 2020. Six focused on SARS-CoV-2, four on SARS-CoV-1, one on MERS-CoV, three on seasonal coronaviruses, and four on animal coronaviruses. All were experimental studies. Overall, despite wide heterogenicity within included studies, complete inactivation of coronaviruses on surfaces or aerosolized, including SARS-CoV-2, was reported to take a maximum exposure time of 15 min and to need a maximum distance from the UV emitter of up to 1 m. Advances in UV-based technologies in the field of sanitation and their proved high virucidal potential against SARS-CoV-2 support their use for IPC in hospital and community settings and their contribution towards ending the COVID-19 pandemic. National and international guidelines are to be updated and parameters and conditions of use need to be identified to ensure both efficacy and safety of UV technology application for effective infection prevention and control in both healthcare and non-healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Chiappa
- School of Public Health, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - B Frascella
- School of Public Health, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - G P Vigezzi
- School of Public Health, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - M Moro
- Infection Control Committee, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - L Diamanti
- Clinical Engineering Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy; HTA Committee, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - L Gentile
- Clinical Engineering Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - P Lago
- Clinical Engineering Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - N Clementi
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - C Signorelli
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - N Mancini
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - A Odone
- HTA Committee, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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A simulation study to evaluate contamination during reuse of N95 respirators and effectiveness of interventions to reduce contamination. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 43:764-769. [PMID: 33966671 PMCID: PMC8144809 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To assess the potential for contamination of personnel, patients, and the environment during use of contaminated N95 respirators and to compare the effectiveness of interventions to reduce contamination. Design: Simulation study of patient care interactions using N95 respirators contaminated with a higher and lower inocula of the benign virus bacteriophage MS2. Methods: In total, 12 healthcare personnel performed 3 standardized examinations of mannequins including (1) control with suboptimal respirator handling technique, (2) improved technique with glove change after each N95 contact, and (3) control with 1-minute ultraviolet-C light (UV-C) treatment prior to donning. The order of the examinations was randomized within each subject. The frequencies of contamination were compared among groups. Observations and simulations with fluorescent lotion were used to assess routes of transfer leading to contamination. Results: With suboptimal respirator handling technique, bacteriophage MS2 was frequently transferred to the participants, mannequin, and environmental surfaces and fomites. Improved technique resulted in significantly reduced transfer of MS2 in the higher inoculum simulations (P < .01), whereas UV-C treatment reduced transfer in both the higher- and lower-inoculum simulations (P < .01). Observations and simulations with fluorescent lotion demonstrated multiple potential routes of transfer to participants, mannequin, and surfaces, including both direct contact with the contaminated respirator and indirect contact via contaminated gloves. Conclusion: Reuse of contaminated N95 respirators can result in contamination of personnel and the environment even when correct technique is used. Decontamination technologies, such as UV-C, could reduce the risk for transmission.
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Glasbrenner DC, Choi YW, Richardson AW, Edwards EW, Mladineo MJ, Sunderman M, Keyes PH, Boyce J, Middleton JK, Howard MW. Decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 contaminated N95 filtering facepiece respirators using artificial sun lamps. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 131:2567-2578. [PMID: 33884721 PMCID: PMC8251224 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Aims Assess the feasibility of using light from artificial sun lamps to decontaminate N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) contaminated with SARS‐CoV‐2. Methods and Results FFR coupons or whole FFRs contaminated with 5 log10 TCID50 (target concentration) SARS‐CoV‐2 in culture media, simulated saliva, or simulated lung fluid were dried for 1–2 h, then exposed to light from tanning and horticulture lamps to assess decontamination. Exposed coupons and whole FFRs showed SARS‐CoV‐2 inactivation for all matrices tested. Furthermore, FFRs still met performance specifications after five decontamination cycles. Conclusions It is feasible that artificial sunlight from these sun lamps can be used to decontaminate FFRs provided the UV dose is sufficient and the light is unobstructed. Furthermore, decontamination can be performed up to five times without degrading FFR performance. Significance and Impact of the Study This research shows a proof of principle that artificial sun lamps may be an option to decontaminate SARS‐CoV‐2 on N95 FFRs. UV doses required for inactivation to levels below detection ranged from 4 to 37·8 J cm−2 depending on the light source, virus matrix and FFR type.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Y W Choi
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - E W Edwards
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - M Sunderman
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - P H Keyes
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - J Boyce
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - M W Howard
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
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Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) monitoring made simple: Colorimetric indicators to assess delivery of UV-C light by room decontamination devices. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 43:306-311. [PMID: 33858538 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of colorimetric indicators for monitoring ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light delivery to sites in patient rooms. METHODS In laboratory testing, we examined the correlation between changes in color of 2 commercial colorimetric indicators and log10 reductions in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridioides difficile spores with exposure to increasing doses of UV-C from a low-pressure mercury room decontamination device. In patient rooms, 1 of the colorimetric indicators was used to assess UV-C dose delivery to 27 sites in the room. RESULTS In laboratory testing, the manufacturer's reference colors for MRSA and C. difficile reduction corresponded with doses of ∼10,000 and 46,000 µJ/cm2; these doses resulted in >3 log10 reductions in MRSA and C. difficile spores, respectively. In patient rooms, the colorimetric indicators demonstrated suboptimal delivery of UV-C dosing to shadowed areas, which was improved by providing cycles on each side of the patient bed rather than in a single position and altering device placement. Increasing duration of exposure increased the number of sites achieving adequate dosing to kill C. difficile spores. CONCLUSIONS Commercial colorimetric indicators provide rapid and easy-to-interpret information on the UV-C dose delivered to sites in patient rooms. The indicators may be useful for training environmental services personnel and optimizing the effectiveness of UV-C room decontamination devices.
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Bentancor M, Fernández S, Viera F, Etcheverry S, Poradosú C, D'Angelo P, Montemuiño H, Mirazo S, Irigoyen Á, Sanabria A, Failache H. LUCIA: An open source device for disinfection of N95 masks using UV-C radiation. HARDWAREX 2021; 9:e00181. [PMID: 33655088 PMCID: PMC7906873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Faced with a global pandemic such as the one triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the medical supply chain has been highly demanded. An item in which this manifested itself more clearly, are the N95 masks, designed to be disposable items, in many cases they have had to be reused. In these emergency conditions, it was necessary to apply an effective and safe method that can be used locally. Here a device for disinfection by ultraviolet C light was developed that allows irradiating N95 masks with a known and reproducible dose. Thus being able to apply a safe and effective disinfection method according to existing information. The use of a common model of UV-C lamps and the simple construction of the device allows it to be built at low cost and with widely available materials. The effectiveness of the device was demonstrated against an enveloped RNA virus, characteristics shared with the virus that causes COVID19, being capable of reducing the viral load by 4 orders of magnitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Bentancor
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular Vegetal, Instituto de Química Biológica e Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Sebastián Fernández
- Instituto de Ingeniería Eléctrica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de la República, J. Herrera y Reissig 565, 11300 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Federico Viera
- Escuela Universitaria Centro de Diseño, Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo, Universidad de la República, Juan D. Jackson 1325, 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sarita Etcheverry
- Escuela Universitaria Centro de Diseño, Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo, Universidad de la República, Juan D. Jackson 1325, 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carolina Poradosú
- Escuela Universitaria Centro de Diseño, Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo, Universidad de la República, Juan D. Jackson 1325, 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pablo D'Angelo
- Escuela Universitaria Centro de Diseño, Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo, Universidad de la República, Juan D. Jackson 1325, 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Hernán Montemuiño
- Escuela Universitaria Centro de Diseño, Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo, Universidad de la República, Juan D. Jackson 1325, 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Mirazo
- Sección Virología, Instituto de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Analía Sanabria
- División Laboratorio Ambiental, Dirección Nacional de Medio Ambiente, Ministerio de Ambiente Av., Italia 6201, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Horacio Failache
- Instituto de Física, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de la República, J. Herrera y Reissig 565, 11300 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Corresponding authors.
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UV-C tower for point-of-care decontamination of filtering facepiece respirators. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:424-429. [PMID: 33186675 PMCID: PMC7654367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) are critical for protecting essential personnel and limiting the spread of disease. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, FFR supplies are dwindling in many health systems, necessitating re-use of potentially contaminated FFR. Multiple decontamination solutions have been developed to meet this pressing need, including systems designed for bulk decontamination of FFR using vaporous hydrogen peroxide or ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation. However, the large scale on which these devices operate may not be logistically practical for small or rural health care settings or for ad hoc use at points-of-care. Methods Here, we present the Synchronous UV Decontamination System, a novel device for rapidly deployable, point-of-care decontamination using UV-C germicidal irradiation. We designed a compact, easy-to-use device capable of delivering over 2 J cm2 of UV-C radiation in one minute. Results We experimentally tested Synchronous UV Decontamination System' microbicidal capacity and found that it eliminates near all virus from the surface of tested FFRs, with less efficacy against pathogens embedded in the inner layers of the masks. Conclusions This short decontamination time should enable care-providers to incorporate decontamination of FFR into a normal donning and doffing routine following patient encounters.
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Griswold DP, Gempeler A, Kolias A, Hutchinson PJ, Rubiano AM. Personal protective equipment for reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection among health care workers involved in emergency trauma surgery during the pandemic: An umbrella review. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2021; 90:e72-e80. [PMID: 33433175 PMCID: PMC7996059 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000003073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care facilities in low- and middle-income countries are inadequately resourced to adhere to current COVID-19 prevention recommendations. Recommendations for surgical emergency trauma care measures need to be adequately informed by available evidence and adapt to particular settings. To inform future recommendations, we set to summarize the effects of different personal protective equipment (PPE) on the risk of COVID-19 infection in health personnel caring for trauma surgery patients. METHODS We conducted an umbrella review using Living Overview of Evidence platform for COVID-19, which performs regular automated searches in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and more than 30 other sources. Systematic reviews of experimental and observational studies assessing the efficacy of PPE were included. Indirect evidence from other health care settings was also considered. Risk of bias was assessed with the AMSTAR II tool (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews, Ottawa, ON, Canada), and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach for grading the certainty of the evidence is reported (registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, CRD42020198267). RESULTS Eighteen studies that fulfilled the selection criteria were included. There is high certainty that the use of N95 respirators and surgical masks is associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 when compared with no mask use. In moderate- to high-risk environments, N95 respirators are associated with a further reduction in risk of COVID-19 infection compared with surgical masks. Eye protection also reduces the risk of contagion in this setting. Decontamination of masks and respirators with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, vaporous hydrogen peroxide, or dry heat is effective and does not affect PPE performance or fit. CONCLUSION The use of PPE drastically reduces the risk of COVID-19 compared with no mask use in health care workers. N95 and equivalent respirators provide more protection than surgical masks. Decontamination and reuse appear feasible to overcome PPE shortages and enhance the allocation of limited resources. These effects are applicable to emergency trauma care and should inform future recommendations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Review, level II.
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Jureka AS, Williams CG, Basler CF. Pulsed Broad-Spectrum UV Light Effectively Inactivates SARS-CoV-2 on Multiple Surfaces and N95 Material. Viruses 2021; 13:460. [PMID: 33799842 PMCID: PMC7998866 DOI: 10.3390/v13030460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in an increased need for technologies capable of efficiently disinfecting public spaces as well as personal protective equipment. UV light disinfection is a well-established method for inactivating respiratory viruses. Here, we have determined that broad-spectrum, pulsed UV light is effective at inactivating SARS-CoV-2 on multiple surfaces in vitro. For hard, non-porous surfaces, we observed that SARS-CoV-2 was inactivated to undetectable levels on plastic and glass with a UV dose of 34.9 mJ/cm2 and stainless steel with a dose of 52.5 mJ/cm2. We also observed that broad-spectrum, pulsed UV light is effective at reducing SARS-CoV-2 on N95 respirator material to undetectable levels with a dose of 103 mJ/cm2. We included UV dosimeter cards that provide a colorimetric readout of UV dose and demonstrated their utility as a means to confirm desired levels of exposure were reached. Together, the results presented here demonstrate that broad-spectrum, pulsed UV light is an effective technology for the in vitro inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on multiple surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christopher F. Basler
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; (A.S.J.); (C.G.W.)
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Nicolau T, Filho NG, Zille A. Ultraviolet-C as a Viable Reprocessing Method for Disposable Masks and Filtering Facepiece Respirators. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:801. [PMID: 33807909 PMCID: PMC7961913 DOI: 10.3390/polym13050801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In normal conditions, discarding single-use personal protective equipment after use is the rule for its users due to the possibility of being infected, particularly for masks and filtering facepiece respirators. When the demand for these protective tools is not satisfied by the companies supplying them, a scenario of shortages occurs, and new strategies must arise. One possible approach regards the disinfection of these pieces of equipment, but there are multiple methods. Analyzing these methods, Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) becomes an exciting option, given its germicidal capability. This paper aims to describe the state-of-the-art for UV-C sterilization in masks and filtering facepiece respirators. To achieve this goal, we adopted a systematic literature review in multiple databases added to a snowball method to make our sample as robust as possible and encompass a more significant number of studies. We found that UV-C's germicidal capability is just as good as other sterilization methods. Combining this characteristic with other advantages makes UV-C sterilization desirable compared to other methods, despite its possible disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talita Nicolau
- 2C2T—Centre for Textile Science and Technology, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
| | - Núbio Gomes Filho
- School of Economics and Management, University of Minho, 4710-57 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Andrea Zille
- 2C2T—Centre for Textile Science and Technology, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal;
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Weather variability and transmissibility of COVID-19: a time series analysis based on effective reproductive number. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS 2021; 2:e15. [PMID: 34192228 PMCID: PMC8007945 DOI: 10.1017/exp.2021.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is causing a significant burden on medical and healthcare resources globally due to high numbers of hospitalisations and deaths recorded as the pandemic continues. This research aims to assess the effects of climate factors (i.e., daily average temperature and average relative humidity) on effective reproductive number of COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China during the early stage of the outbreak. Our research showed that effective reproductive number of COVID-19 will increase by 7.6% (95% Confidence Interval: 5.4% ~ 9.8%) per 1°C drop in mean temperature at prior moving average of 0-8 days lag in Wuhan, China. Our results indicate temperature was negatively associated with COVID-19 transmissibility during early stages of the outbreak in Wuhan, suggesting temperature is likely to effect COVID-19 transmission. These results suggest increased precautions should be taken in the colder seasons to reduce COVID-19 transmission in the future, based on past success in controlling the pandemic in Wuhan, China.
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Banerjee R, Roy P, Das S, Paul MK. A hybrid model integrating warm heat and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation might efficiently disinfect respirators and personal protective equipment. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:309-318. [PMID: 32735810 PMCID: PMC7386295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has taken a heavy toll on human life and has upended the medical system in many countries. The disease has created a system wide worsening shortage of N95, medical masks, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) that is regularly used by healthcare personnel and emergency service providers for their protection. Aim Considering the number of infected patients and the stressed supplies of PPE, reuse of PPE can serve as an efficient contingency plan. Multiple studies have investigated the effect of different decontamination methods. Methods We chose the most user-friendly, easily scalable viral decontamination methods, including ultraviolet irradiation and heat treatment. In this paper, we investigated a unique approach to reuse the mask by creating a hybrid model that efficiently sanitizes the infected mask. Results The advantages of the proposed hybrid model as compared to the respective single arms is its decontamination efficacy, operational speed, as well as the number of reuse cycles as verified by mathematical analysis and simulation. This model is mainly intended for medical PPE but can also be used for other domestic and personal sanitization during the COVID-19 pandemic. As per the situation, the hybrid system can be used as standalone systems also. This sanitization process is not only limited to the elimination of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 but can be extended to any other infectious agents. Thus, our results indicate that the proposed hybrid system is more effective, meets disinfection criterion and time saving for the reuse of respirators and PPE.
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Jean J, Rodríguez-López MI, Jubinville E, Núñez-Delicado E, Gómez-López VM. Potential of pulsed light technology for control of SARS-CoV-2 in hospital environments. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2021; 215:112106. [PMID: 33383557 PMCID: PMC7767662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.112106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and its potential transmission through touching surfaces in clinical environments have impelled the use of conventional and novel methods of disinfection to prevent its spreading. Among the latter, pulsed light may be an effective, non-chemical decontamination alternative. Pulsed light technology inactivates microorganisms and viruses by using high intensity polychromatic light pulses, which degrades nucleic acids and proteins. This review describes this technology, compiles and critically analyzes the evidence about the virucidal efficacy of pulsed light technology with view on its potential use against SARS-CoV-2 in touching surfaces in health-care facilities. The efficacy of pulsed light proved against many different kind of viruses allows to conclude that is a suitable candidate to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 as long as the required fluence is applied and the appropriated exposure to contaminated surfaces is guaranteed. Pulsed light can inactivate many different types of viruses. Its antimicrobial efficacy has been proved in different health care facilities. Pulsed light produces fast inactivation and it is ecologically friendly. Evidence shows that it should be effective for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Jean
- Département des Sciences des Aliments, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - María Isabel Rodríguez-López
- Departamento de Tecnología de la Alimentación y Nutrición, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Campus de los Jerónimos, E-30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Eric Jubinville
- Département des Sciences des Aliments, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Estrella Núñez-Delicado
- Departamento de Tecnología de la Alimentación y Nutrición, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Campus de los Jerónimos, E-30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Vicente M Gómez-López
- Catedra Alimentos para la Salud, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Campus de los Jerónimos, E-30107 Murcia, Spain.
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Walker TR, Duarte AC, Ouyang W, Barcelò D, Rocha-Santos T. Increased plastic pollution due to COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and recommendations. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2021; 405:126683. [PMID: 32834764 PMCID: PMC7430241 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.126683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 326] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have become a severe transboundary threat to natural ecosystems and human health, with studies predicting a twofold increase in the number of plastic debris (including micro and nano-sized plastics) by 2030. However, such predictions will likely be aggravated by the excessive use and consumption of single-use plastics (including personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves) due to COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on the effects of COVID-19 on macroplastic pollution and its potential implications on the environment and human health considering short- and long-term scenarios; addressing the main challenges and discussing potential strategies to overcome them. It emphasises that future measures, involved in an emergent health crisis or not, should reflect a balance between public health and environmental safety as they are both undoubtedly connected. Although the use and consumption of plastics significantly improved our quality of life, it is crucial to shift towards sustainable alternatives, such as bio-based plastics. Plastics should remain in the top of the political agenda in Europe and across the world, not only to minimise plastic leakage and pollution, but to promote sustainable growth and to stimulate both green and blue- economies. Discussions on this topic, particularly considering the excessive use of plastic, should start soon with the involvement of the scientific community, plastic producers and politicians in order to be prepared for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Wei Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an immense and unforeseen increase in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers worldwide. Amongst other products, respirator masks are crucial to protect the users against transmission of the virus. Decontamination and reuse of the existing stock could be a solution to the shortage of new respirators. Based upon existing studies, it was found that (I) a solid quality control method is essential to test product reuse, (II) in-depth evaluation of the different parts of the filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) should be considered, and (III) communication of the reuse cycle is essential to take track of the amount of reuse, as this is limited to ensure quality. The goal of this paper is two-fold. First, we identify the impact of decontamination on the different parts of the FFRs and how the quality control should be performed. Two different types of FFRs are analysed within this paper, resulting in the recommendation of combining quantitative respirator mask fit testing with a thorough sensory evaluation of decontaminated FFRs to qualify them for reuse. Secondly, the possibilities of communication of this reuse to the eventual user are mapped through in-depth reasoning.
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