<![CDATA[Used disposable face masks can serve as a medium for bacterial growth and a source of environmental contamination. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation can reduce bacterial counts on used face masks, with radiation duration affecting its effectiveness. This study aimed to determine the effect of UV-C radiation duration of 0, 30, and 60 minutes on bacterial counts on used face masks. An experimental design with three treatments was used: no radiation (0 minutes), 30 minutes, and 60 minutes of radiation. Bacterial counts in four samples were determined using the plate count method on Plate Count Agar (PCA) through the pour plate method and expressed as CFU/cm². The initial bacterial counts on used masks ranged from 1.15 × 10³ to 6.16 × 10⁸ CFU/cm². After 30 minutes of UV-C exposure, bacterial counts decreased to 5.91–5.09 × 10³ CFU/cm², corresponding to a 99.486–99.999% reduction. Extending the exposure duration to 60 minutes further reduced bacterial counts to 0–4.64 × 10² CFU/cm², with reductions of 99.999–100%. UV-C exposure effectively reduced bacterial contamination on used masks, with longer exposure producing greater bacterial reduction. The 60-minute exposure was the most effective duration under the conditions of this study.]]>
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