Can N-95 masks be effectively sterilized in an electric cooker?
According to scientists, the N-95 mask can be germ free without heating water in an electric cooker for 50 minutes.
In a study by a team of scientists, including a researcher of Indian origin, claimed that N-95 masks can be germ free without heating water in an electric cooker for 50 minutes. This also does not reduce the mask’s ability to protect against viruses.
According to the results of research published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letter, the mask can be used safely again and again in a limited supply. Whereas currently they are used only once.
The N-95 mask is the most effective for protecting against virus droplets and particles present in the air. There is a risk of getting Kovid-19 from them. Professor Thanh Nguyen at the US-based University of Illinois-Urbanite-Champagne said, “A cloth mask or surgical mask protects others from droplets from the wearer’s mouth, but the N-95 mask filters those wearers. Saves, which may contain viruses.
The entire surface of the mask needs to be infection free.
Professor Vishal Verma of the University of Illinois said, “There are many different ways to get rid of germs but most of all the N-95 mask’s ability to filter the virus-containing vapor particles is lost.” In any process of release, the entire surface of the mask needs to be infection free. But at the same time it is equally important that its filtering capacity remains and it is safe for the wearer. Otherwise it will not be the right protection. “
Researchers saw the possibility of making the mask germ-free in the electric cooker method, which could be beneficial for health workers. Especially for small clinics and hospitals where there is no heat-based germ free equipment.
Researchers envisaged a method that met all three parameters – germ-free, filtration (filtering capacity), fit (usable) – without leaving any special process or chemical. He wanted to find a method that people could use in their home.
Four types of viruses are destroyed by heating the mask at 100 degrees Celsius.
In view of this, the research team conducted tests on the electric cooker, which is available in people’s kitchens. Researchers confirmed that four types of viruses, including corona virus, are destroyed by heating the mask in a cooker at 100 ° C for 50 minutes. It is also more effective than the germ-free method of ultraviolet light.
“The aerosol (vapor particles present in the air) probe chamber was made in the laboratory and counted the particles passing through the N-95 mask,” said Varma. We found that the mask was working properly despite the germ-free process in the electric cooker 20 times. “
The researchers said that the mask should be heated in a water cooker and not in water. A small towel should be placed on the bottom of the cooker so that the mask does not come in direct contact with the hot metal.
