Decontamination of filtering facepiece respirators using a low-temperature-steam-2%-formaldehyde sterilization process during a pandemic: a safe alternative for re-use.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has caused problems with respirator supplies. Re-use may minimize the impact of the shortage, but requires the availability of an efficient and safe decontamination method.

Aim: To determine whether low-temperature-steam-2%-formaldehyde (LTSF) sterilization is effective, preserves the properties of filtering facepiece (FFP) respirators and allows safe re-use.

[Masks as personal protective equipment in the COVID-19 pandemic: How, when and which should be used].

Background And Objective: In the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand of masks has been increased by health professionals and the general population. In this context, it is necessary to summarize the features and indications of the different types of masks.

Material And Methods: To consult and to compile the different recommendations disseminated by prestigious institutions such as the World Health Organization, the European Center for Disease Prevention, the Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, or the Ministry of Health of the Government of Spain has been reviewed.