3M Approves PearlSurface™ for N95 Respirator Reuse Stability
3M Technical Bulletin "Decontamination of 3M Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs), such as N95 Respirators, in the United States"¹ now includes the UV-C LED system PearlSurface as an option for mask disinfection.
ERLANGER, Ky., Aug. 26, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- AquiSense Technologies, the global leader in UV-C LED disinfection technology, is proud to be listed as a disinfection consideration in the latest bulletin from 3M on N95 respirator reuse. The PearlSurface has been added to the listing published by 3M as the only UV-C LED disinfection method that can treat N95 respirators whilst maintaining their crucial properties.
The PearlSurface offers consistent UV-C LED performance for surface disinfection in a safe and convenient device. Designed for automated non-contact, non-chemical disinfection of high-touch devices and PPE, our intention is to give essential workers the peace of mind that their items are disinfected using a reliable method within their own control. The PearlSurface is supported by advanced optical design using ray-tracing software. The AquiSense team used their experience in designing systems for high UV exposures up to 2,000 mJ/cm2, dual sided treatment. Recent publications² show the importance of dual-sided UV disinfection as it was found that UV light cannot penetrate all layers of an N95 mask respirator from only one side.
The 3M Technical Bulletin for decontamination for FFRs is designed to communicate the impact of decontamination methods on certain respirator models, but not recommend specific types of decontamination. Each decontamination method must pass filtration efficiency and a fit related evaluation. The 3M bulletin also confirms the PearlSurface as suitable for 20 reuse cycles, twice the number approved for other conventional UV treatment technologies.
"Being listed on the 3M Decontamination Bulletin is yet another instance where AquiSense is leading the way for validated UV-C LED technology engineering performance," said Oliver Lawal, AquiSense CEO. "Our team worked directly with 3M to supply data on how the PearlSurface can provide consistent disinfection with no measurable impact on respirator performance. We're already fully engaged with the FDA for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) - watch this space!" concluded Oliver.
About AquiSense Technologies
AquiSense Technologies is the global leader in UV-C LED systems design and manufacture. Using a combination of patented technology and in-depth know-how, AquiSense integrates LED devices into products that solve real world problems in water, air, and surface applications. AquiSense work closely with OEM and Distribution partners globally.
About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 96,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at http://www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.
2 C. Carolina Ontiveros, Crystal L. Sweeney, Chris Smith, Sean MacIsaac, Sebastian Munoz, Ross Davidson, Craig McCormick, Nikhil Thomas, Ian Davis, Amina K. Stoddart and Graham A. Gagnon, Characterization of a commercially-available, low-pressure UV lamp as a disinfection system for decontamination of common nosocomial pathogens on N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) material, Environmental ScienceWater Research & Technology, 2020, DOI:10.1039/d0ew00404a
SOURCE AquiSense Technologies
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