Abstract: A portable sterilization apparatus that includes a face mask connected to a kill chamber having an ultraviolet source to destroy biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria and fungi in air supplied to the mask, further includes a disposable particle filter in the kill chamber for filtering out particulates prior to irradiating the air with UV light, and in the case of a mercury vapor lamp UV source, a quartz sleeve surrounding the lamp. Valves are included in the face mask to limit carbon dioxide exhalation back into the kill chamber and to facilitate exhalation of air to the atmosphere.