UV and ClO2 are Both Good Decontamination Technologies for Masks

H2O2 and Steam are Most Promising Decontamination Technologies

Anti-microbial Fiber from Purafil

A Common Metric to Make Coronavirus Decisions

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UV and ClO2 are Both Good Decontamination Technologies for Masks

David Shelep was a presenter in the April 2 webinar on mask reuse. He presented two technologies which can decontaminate masks. One uses UV torches and is being utilized by a hospital in Nebraska. The other uses Chlorine Dioxide gas in systems supplied by ClorDiSys. UV will kill all organisms with the proper dosage. The Nebraska Medicine procedure using a room and existing UV torch is easy to implement. 

The chlorine dioxide gas can penetrate microscopic crevices unlike most other treatment alternatives.

H2O2 and Steam are Most Promising Decontamination Technologies

Jim Agalloco  provided a comparison of various decontamination strategies in the April 2 webinar. Based on availability, performance and cost he concluded that

•      Steam – uses hospital sterilizers, available capacity unknown, potential effects on non-critical components unknown.

•      Vapor – retrofit room with H2O2 generator external, capacity could be extensive, potential effects on non-critical components unknown.

•      Expecting a variable mix of N95 masks in any load, the effects of steam or H2O2 can’t be accurately predicted. Lots of conflicting reports. Impact on strap elastics is likely the major factor in reuse.

 

He is concerned about whether the H2O2 systems which are presently being employed will be sufficiently efficient. 

Another concern is the likely mix of masks.

Anti-microbial Fiber from Purafil

Jeff Mathers submitted this power point for presentation in the April 2 webinar but was not able to make the presentation.  The Puraward anti-microbial fiber is effective because

Synergistic Action - Copper readily attacks the proteins/amino acids of the cell wall, allowing silver to invade the cell more readily
 

Joint Attack Inside the Cell:

Sterilization: Prevents replication

once silver has entered the cytoplasm and reacts with genomic DNA
Suffocation: Causes failure of key enzymes associated with respiratory function

Starvation: Causing the failure of key enzymes associated with transmittance of nutrients across the cell wall

The material is used in both masks and air filters.

A Common Metric to Make Coronavirus Decisions

Bob McIlvaine explained a common metric to measure all harm and good in the April 2 webinar. A McIlvaine study for one of the largest healthcare companies on single use vs reusable surgical gowns is equally applicable to masks. The study includes a common metric to measure all harm and good and to also consider the future value discount and tribal values. Every alternative can be measured in Quality Enhanced Life Days. This includes the discomfort of wearing a mask vs the benefits.  It includes the possible selection of Far UV to reduce infection now even if it increases the chance of skin cancer many years into the future.  It provides a clear method for determining who gets the ventilator and who does not. The tribal value consideration takes into account such questions as should 3M  be required to ship masks, they produce in other countries back to the U.S.  It provides a method of determining when and if the risks of resuming the normal work schedule are justified.  It is simple and straightforward because it is simply the aggregation of the wishes of the majority

Relative to reusable gowns vs disposable gowns it compares greenhouse gas emissions from gown manufacture to risk of water contamination with the washing of gowns.