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We did not plan for shortages of PPE supplies. That is why we are looking at sterilization of respirators. You would be surprised how few hospitals have prepared for this or have supplies on hand. Many administrators are becoming nervous.
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I’m just wondering-Could your typical N95 mask be sterilized by using ozone? We have about 20 N95 and 20 surgical left from 2014 and never had to use. I had been wondering if they could be sterilized in case we would need more.

I rarely go out during the winter. Hubby makes a run for Bread and Milk and fresh vegetables and fruits about once a week. If we get cases within 50 miles we plan to just stay home.

I don’t plan on using masks unless one of us is sick.

See my post Temperature sterilization.

I am doubtful of penetration by ozone and UVC. I could be wrong. I would want to inactivate the virus in all layers of the mask without causing damage. Heat treatment at 65C is probably best. Cooler than a car in Phoenix during summer. IMHO.

The nCONVID19 (I put n in front on purpose) is novel. We will know more in days and weeks to come. I am going with literature on SARS and MERS. I am confident this is the best we have to go with.

Ozone and UV light will degrade the rubber bands over time on the N95 masks, but will destroy the virus. Maybe buy a big bag of rubber bands at an office supply store.

I saw one guy do a test on his N95 mask at a 3M facility. He used it for 7(?) days when riding his bike in a smoggy city - I think it was 2 to 3 hours a day. The mask was pretty grungy from sweat and stuff and dirty. Still was at 97% or so of the original rating. (So 97% of 95%.)

But yes - need to destroy the virus. Seeing as the masks are a fabric, the virus won’t last as long as on a hard surface. But iirc the coronavirus can still last quite a long time on fabric - 8 hours???

Note - a N95 mask will only filter to 0.3 microns. That covers about 50% of the flu particles emitted from a person. A real-life example of how one views the world - are you a class half-full or half-empty type of person!?

Or perhaps it is more of a class half-full versus an empty glass - which makes it even more logical to wear a mask. Plus the reminder to keep your hands away from your face.