Abstract

We show how a common microwave oven, a coat-hanger and a coffee cup can be used to decontaminate N-95 respirators in 30 seconds. Tulane virus in the artificial saliva was reduced by >3 log and Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores were reduced by >6 log. Respirators maintained filtration and fit even after 10 cycles. Filtration and fit tests performed by the CDC confirmed there was no damage to the respirators. Spectroscopy of the plasma reveals that OH and C-containing radicals as the most prevalent active species.
Original languageEnglish (US)
PublisherCold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
Number of pages18
DOIs
StateIn preparation - 2020

Publication series

NamebioRxiv
PublisherCold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus
  • severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
  • 2019-nCoV
  • Novel coronavirus
  • Pandemic
  • n-95 respirator
  • decontamination
  • plasma
  • microwaves

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