Cleaning of Personal Protective Equipment and Laundry Contaminated by Viruses
Citation:
Mikelonis, A., J. Archer, B. Wyrzykowska-Ceradini, E. Morris, J. Sawyer, T. Chamberlain, A. Abdel-Hady, M. Monge, AND A. Touati. Cleaning of Personal Protective Equipment and Laundry Contaminated by Viruses. Presented at 2023 EPA International Decontamination Research and Development Conference, Charleston, SC, December 05 - 07, 2023.
Impact/Purpose:
The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated gaps in viral disinfection data for personal protective equipment (PPE) and materials typically laundered at home. In response, EPA’s Homeland Security Research Program (HSRP) launched research testing different disinfectants and cleaning methods’ efficacy at reducing bacteriophages Phi6 and MS2 on different materials. HSRP is currently focused on expanding the laundering dataset for the general population in preparation for disease-causing incidences that require shelter-in-place and cleaning of clothing. This poster covers viral disinfection using simple at home methods. It will be of interest to emergency responders who use the personal protective equipment tested and the general public as it includes common materials and laundering.
Description:
The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated gaps in viral disinfection data for personal protective equipment and materials typically laundered at home. In support of responders, decision makers, and the general public’s questions concerning the use of different cleaning methods, the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (US EPA) Homeland Security Research Program launched research to generate data testing different disinfectants and cleaning methods’ efficacy at reducing the load of the bacteriophages Phi6 and MS2 from different materials. To-date five different disinfectants/cleaning methods have been tested: bleach spray, isopropyl alcohol wipes, laundering (washing and drying), low concentration hydrogen peroxide vapor, and a quarternary amonium spray. These disinfectants/cleaning methods have been tested on face coverings, procedural masks, scrubs, denim, safety glass, face shields, shoes, and N95 respirators for materially compatible combinations. This poster will summarize the work “Evaluation of disinfection methods for personal protective equipment (PPE) items for reuse during a pandemic” (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0287664) and the method “Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering” (https://doi.org/10.3791/64164). It will also provide additional photographs beyond those provided in the manuscripts and discuss ongoing research pertaining to additional laundering processes.