Standardization, Quality tests, and Cleansing Methods to Reuse Face Masks Used in Coronavirus and Respiratory Diseases Outbreaks

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, is the cause of the new Coronavirus 2019 disease, which has caused a severe pandemic that is unprecedented 21st century. The virus has triggered at least seven mutations in the last two years, leading to either an increase in pathogenicity or transmission. Including, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Eta, Delta, Lambda, and the recent emergence of Omicron variants. Indicating, we have a long way to deal with the complete eradication of this disease. Several scientific evidence show that respiratory droplets and aerosols are the most common route for coronavirus transmission. Using face masks by all people is generally recommended as a simple and inexpensive solution to cut this outbreak as the virus can be transmitted by asymptomatic patient. Many governments and public health organizations around the world have promoted the use of face masks in public places and have made them mandatory, especially in situations where social distancing is not possible; However, the effectiveness of face mask remains a challenge. This paper considers the challenges from three viewpoints: the quality standards of different face masks and the basis of their filtration mechanisms, the quantitative methods available to determine mask integrity and efficiency in particle filtration, and finally disinfection methods for disposable masks that make possible their reuse.