UV light dosage distribution over irregular respirator surfaces. Methods and implications for safety

Aurora Baluja, Justo Arines, Ramón Vilanova, Julio Cortiñas, Carmen Bao, Maite Flores

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to a global decrease in personal protective equipment (PPE), especially filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). Ultraviolet-C wavelength is a promising way of decontamination, however adequate dosimetry is needed to ensure balance between over and underexposed areas and provide reliable results. Our study demonstrates that UVGI light irradiance varies significantly on different respirator angles and propose a method to decontaminate several masks at once ensuring appropriate dosage in shaded zones.