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Virus Masks

Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2020 10:59 pm
by Catweazle
I'm guessing we've all got at least a couple of FFP3 masks in our kit. If not, there's still time, not everybody is out of stock, yet.

However, these disposable masks are not limitless, and the factories producing them might be closed due to staff shortages. So - we might want to think about how to disinfect and re-use these masks. Maybe using UV light, maybe a chamber with alcohol.

Any ideas preppers ?

Re: Virus Masks

Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2020 12:26 am
by Appin
I have not been able to confirm this but during the SARS outbreak hospitals ran short of masks and they did recycle masks.

If I recall correctly they found that masks could be reused if they were heated to 60 Celsius for a couple of hours. Dry heat was the suggestion.

The other thing to remember if using a mask the outside becomes contaminated and needs special handling even when simply taking off the mask or the mask contaminates the wearer as it is removed.

Coronaviruses are RNA viruses and have a membrane. so they are in viral terms quite delicate.


Certainly lower temperatures and humidity are documented as prolonging the life of COVID-19 in the environment.

UV at any level safe for humans is thought to be ineffective. Some common disinfectants are ineffective.

Dilute bleach ( sodoium hypochlorite 0.1%) and dilute hydrogen peroxide (0,5%) do work.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articl ... es-persist?


Appin

Re: Virus Masks

Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2020 10:29 am
by redskies
Have a look at these instead.

https://www.nature.com/articles/srep39956

Re: Virus Masks

Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 9:42 pm
by HedgeHopper
redskies, thanks for posting that.
Am i on the right track by thinking that it suggests salt infused filters give additional protection from corona virii ?

Re: Virus Masks

Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 9:55 pm
by preppergb
Good article but i have loads of PP3s and N95s left over from previous scares and they will just have to do.

Re: Virus Masks

Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 10:41 pm
by unsure
we have a few left over as well , not sure how long they`ll last . just have to hope for the best .

Re: Virus Masks

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 12:01 pm
by redskies
HedgeHopper wrote: Thu Mar 26, 2020 9:42 pm redskies, thanks for posting that.
Am i on the right track by thinking that it suggests salt infused filters give additional protection from corona virii ?

It does indeed, and it came from a microbiologist friend who reckons it's solid, and since he's worked with the dangerous stuff, and lived long enough to retire, I'm happy to rely on that.