DHS develops do-it-yourself method to decontaminate personal protective equipment

Researchers at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) have developed a way for people to decontaminate personal protective equipment (PPE) at home.

DHS’s S&T researchers have found that programmable multicookers can be used to decontaminate masks, using moist heat. Moist heat decontamination is achieved by treating masks with 149°F steam for 30 minutes. This can be done by placing the mask(s) in a paper bag, filling the multicooker with a half-inch of water, and setting the bag on a rack inside of it.

S&T verified that this method deactivates the virus below detectable limits. Also, it found that the masks still meet performance specifications after five treatments.

The methods are also recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“S&T is thinking creatively during this nationwide crisis,” William Bryan, DHS senior official performing the duties of the under secretary for Science & Technology, said. “We understand that PPE is not always readily available and are working tirelessly to provide Americans with simple methods to extend the life of this important equipment.”

You can find complete instructions, a video, FAQ, and a fact sheet on how to do this on the S&T web site. The list of tested equipment is not to be suggested as an official endorsement of any particular brands. If using another brand, verify that it can operate at 149°F, as different times or temperatures may not kill the virus or could damage the mask.

“Given the significance of this outbreak and importance of respiratory protection for first responders and medical professionals, we’re investigating simple, low-cost means to sanitize potentially contaminated N95 respirators,” General Biological Scientist Dr. Lloyd Hough, and lead for S&T’s Hazard Awareness & Characterization Technology Center, said. “We hope front line personnel who need to use them can take advantage of this approach to extend the life of their limited supply of this critical piece of PPE.”