Dry heat can effectively sanitize N95 masks

New research has found that dry heat from an electric cooker can effectively sanitize N95 masks.A new study has found that electric cookers in the home can effectively sanitize N95 respirators, which are key pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the current COVID-19 pandemic.These findings, which appear in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, could help relieve the pressure on the limited supply of N95 respirators, which are usually single-use items.A key part of the world’s effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is the use of PPE.COVID-19 typically spreads when a person expels droplets carrying the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, from their mouth or nose. This is to prevent putting even more strain on the supply of the masks.In light of this short supply, recent research has explored the viability of decontaminating N95 respirators, which manufacturers typically design for single use.In the new study, the researchers had five conditions for an effective decontamination process:According to study co-author Prof.