Virus Masks

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Catweazle
Posts: 119
Joined: Fri Jan 01, 2016 10:56 pm

Virus Masks

Post 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 ?
Appin
Posts: 285
Joined: Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:04 pm

Re: Virus Masks

Post 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
redskies
Posts: 1551
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:35 am

Re: Virus Masks

Post by redskies »

Have a look at these instead.

https://www.nature.com/articles/srep39956
HedgeHopper
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Mar 03, 2020 8:06 pm

Re: Virus Masks

Post 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 ?
preppergb
Posts: 386
Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2014 8:57 am

Re: Virus Masks

Post by preppergb »

Good article but i have loads of PP3s and N95s left over from previous scares and they will just have to do.
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unsure
Posts: 1365
Joined: Sat Jul 21, 2012 11:53 am
Location: st.helens , area 9

Re: Virus Masks

Post by unsure »

we have a few left over as well , not sure how long they`ll last . just have to hope for the best .
YES i walked away mid sentence , you were boring me to death and my survival instincts kick in .
redskies
Posts: 1551
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:35 am

Re: Virus Masks

Post 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.