Biological Aerosol Test Method and Personal Protective Equipment Decontamination Method
During the first 45 days of an influenza pandemic, it is expected that there will not likely be enough N95 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-certified disposable filtering face piece respirators for health care workers. The air Force Research Laboratory first developed and validated a biological aerosol test method to serve as a standard test platform capable of delivering a reproducible, threat-based virus load to respirators. The American Society for Testing and Materials International test protocol was then used to develop decontamination protocols that kill threat-representative viruses but do not affect the performance of the respirators. The data collected allowed the National Academy of Science to issue effective guidance on the decontamination and reuse of face masks during an influenza pandemic. For additional information please fill out the Contact Information Form.