COVID-19: Evaluation of Disinfection Options for N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators in the Context of the Pandemic

Refer to the ministerial directive before applying the recommendations (in French only).

The elements of responses presented here are based on the information available at the time of writing this evaluation. Given that the situation and knowledge about the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), as well as the authorizations issued by Health Canada for new disinfection technologies for N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), are evolving, the elements covered and the conclusions and recommendations in this document are subject to change. Health care facilities must therefore verify that the technologies, at the time of their use, are still authorized by Health Canada under the Interim Order for COVID-19 (Health Canada, 2021a). In case of conflicting information between the manufacturer's instructions and the studies cited in this document or any other study, the manufacturer's instructions shall take precedence.

The present document analyzes current knowledge about available disinfection options for N95 FFRs and puts into perspective the advantages and limitations of each disinfection process identified. The authorizations that have been issued by Health Canada are also specified. Finally, the recommendations of the CERDM are presented.