COVID-19 Killer: Instant Pot Kills Virus in N95 Mask More Effectively than UV in Under 50 Minutes | Virus World | Scoop.it

Instant Pot proves to be the most effective in sterilizing an N95 mask for reuse and killing the coronavirus compared to ultraviolet light. Yes, you read it right, the 7-in-1 'Instant Pot' used mostly for pressure and slow cooking, rice, and steaming can now be used to disinfect and sterilize an N95 mask killing the Novel coronavirus in less than 50 minutes, experts share. Daily Mail reports that researchers from the University of Illinois found that this kitchen equipment is useful in the kitchen and for other unconventional uses, most notably is its usage for sterilizing an N95 mask. The Instant Pot can disinfect and sterilize a mask, or more, using its standard cook function that runs for 50 minutes. This cook function produces 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius) that is said to be enough in killing the virus. Instant Pot uses "dry heat," making it ideal for disinfecting the mask, inside and out. N95 masks use materials including stretchable or garterized materials that lose their flexibility in the span of its use. Researchers list this as one of the concerns of the medical community that frowns on reusing said masks. The effectivity of the mask's filtration significantly reduces if components have reduced performance or functions compared to when it is brand new. This process enables users to safely reuse the mask, unlike the CDC's recommendation of using it for just an extended period. Researchers added that this process is more effective than using an ultraviolet light in sanitation.

 

This home remedy uses the "Instant Pot" that adds a new feature on its long list of functions, including pressure cooking, steaming, rice cooking, slow cooking, sauteing, yogurt making, and warming. Its unique and latest feature, sterilizing the deadly pandemic virus, COVID-19. The University of Illinois researchers exhibited the proper sterilization process in a YouTube video to help the medical community and even people who use the N95 masks for protection against the pandemic. Researchers advise people to put a towel on the Instant Pot's surface to avoid direct heat or contact on the body. The masks only need the heat to go "through and through" to effectively kill any virus, especially COVID-19, that occur the mask's surface and its filters inside. "Any sanitation method would need to decontaminate all surfaces of the respirator, but equally important is maintaining the filtration efficacy and the fit of the respirator to the face of the wearer," Vishal Verma, a researcher of the Insta Pot from the University of Illinois said. The team then tested the mask's fit and deemed that the Instant Pot method helps preserve it. This process helps in decontaminating the mask, maintain its component's integrity to ensure proper fit to the wearer's face, and overall sanitize the product...

 

See also:

https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.07.11.20151399 

https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.07.28.20163915