Is it appropriate to reuse the disposable respirators?
No. Disposable respirators are designed to be used once and then disposed of properly. In the event of a pandemic, bioterrist attack or virulent airborne microbial outbreak where extensive use of disposable respirators may deplete supplies, CDC and WHO recognize reuse may be necessary (e.g. during SARS) and have provided guidance to ensure careful removal and storage. CDC and NIOSH are currently conducting studies on mechanisms of self-decontamination and disinfection/sterilization of disposable respirators.
