In the News

How can we disinfect and reuse masks?

masks
Photo: Unsplash

Hong Kong scientists are examining disinfecting masks for reuse in response to a global shortage of protective gear in the COVID-19 crisis.

In an online dialogue session organised by HKU on Thursday, Prof. Yuen Kwok-yung of the Department of Microbiology, explained recent experiments on disinfecting N95 respirators and standard surgical masks:

  • N95 respirators could be disinfected with hydrogen peroxide vapour and be reused. But the masks should be labelled and reused by the same person.
  • The disinfection and reuse of N95 respirators is intended for public hospitals.
  • Surgical masks, which were worn by the majority of people in the city, could be disinfected with ozonisers, devices to kill germs with ozone.
  • Prof. Yuen himself wears a reusable cloth mask underneath a surgical mask in order to make each mask last longer. He disinfects the surgical mask with an ozoniser after use

Full Report

 

Tags
Show More

Related Articles

Back to top button
Close