Decontaminating Facemasks with UV-C

Matt Litton; Elab Fall 2020

Project Abstract

Due to the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, there is a global shortage of protective surgical and N95 face masks. This has lead to broad reuse of otherwise single-use face masks. While necessary because of cost and unavailability this comes with risk of exposure since the mask fibers can retain the virus. Thankfully, medical researchers and government agencies have detailed a effective methods of mask decontamination for covid-19 and other diseases. The two methods that stand out are the use of heat or UV-C radiation as both are relatively cheap, easy to implement and use. Most importantly no chemicals need to be handled or refilled. Since heating has been shown to degrade the face mask fabric I am choosing to use UV-C radiation exclusively for disinfection. The goal is to build a cost effective and safe face mask disinfection box using UV-C radiation that meets guidelines set out by medical researchers and is designed for ease of use.