Characterization of delux: ultraviolet light sterilization device against covid-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) have declared a public health pandemic state due to the transmission of the new coronavirus on March 11, 2020. Covid-19 disease, that is caused by SARS-Cov-2, has a very broad clinical spectrum, with developments predominantly linked to respiratory symptoms. The role respiratorio of the health professionals in fighting the pandemic requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PFF2 / N95 masks are suitable PPE s for this purpose. Due to the high demand for PFF2 / N95 masks to fight the pandemic, there was a shortage of this PPE worlwide. This work aims to present a characterization of the device called DELUX, utilized for UVC (ultraviolet light spectra) sterilization of PFF2 / N95 masks, and allowing to extend the time of safe use of this PPE in emergency conditions. The photometric validation of the device resulted in the verification of the emission spectrum of the lamps used in the device, and the verification of the optical power, demonstrating the adequacy of irradiation with UVC light, wiht a 15-minute cycle, and safely. Biological validation showed that DELUX is capable of inactivating SARS-Cov-2 present on the surface of PFF2 / N95 masks, thus being efficient for their sterilization. The security offered by the sterilization cycle allows to extend the safe use of masks.