Is it better to drink alcohol instead of spraying it? The higher the concentration of alcohol, the more effective it is? Expert slaps you in the face: Don't skimp and spray directly
Since Taiwan implemented the third level of epidemic prevention alert, people have been prepared for the new coronavirus. As long as they go out, in addition to the necessary masks, experts also recommend that people can bring their own alcohol spray or hand sanitizer, which can be used at any time when encountering ATMs, automatic door switches or taking elevators. Disinfect and clean hands to avoid contact with viruses remaining on items. Even though we are currently in the second level of alert, people have already developed the habit of disinfecting their hands with alcohol or dry hands at any time. However, many people pursue “the more, the better”, and rumors about alcohol concentration and even “drinking kills viruses” are also circulated on the Internet. Are there any basis for these claims? How to use alcohol and other anti-epidemic products correctly?
The higher the alcohol concentration, the better? It will be ineffective if it exceeds “this number”!
Cleaning products such as alcohol or hand sanitizer contain a certain proportion of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, which can effectively mutate the virus’s biofilm (a self-protection mechanism for viruses and bacteria), thereby killing germs. According to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, using 60% concentration of hand sanitizer and alcohol spray is effective in eliminating COVID-19; and once you have the opportunity, you should wash your hands with soap or hand lotion at any time 20 Seconds, both are effective ways to block viruses.
Since sterilization requires an alcohol concentration higher than 60%, does that mean the higher the alcohol concentration, the more effective it is? Zhao Mingwei, associate professor of the Department of Biotechnology of Chung Yuan University, told the media in an interview that alcohol with a concentration of 95% will condense the biofilm of the virus. At best, it will only “seal” the virus and will not make it disappear. Instead, it will have antibacterial effects. A big discount; furthermore, the alcohol concentration is too high, and spraying it on your hands will irritate the skin over time.
Zhao Mingwei suggested that 75% alcohol should be used for disinfection. According to research by scientists, ethanol with a concentration of 75% can best eliminate viruses. So what should you do if you accidentally buy 95% alcohol at a store? Zhao Mingwei said that you can dilute it at a ratio of 3:1 (alcohol:water) at home, which can also achieve the sterilization effect.
Does alcohol have a disinfecting effect when sprayed externally or taken internally? Expert: Thinking too much
And how to use alcohol correctly is another science. Zhao Mingwei said that many people only spray a few drops of alcohol on their hands, or spray it on paper towels or handkerchiefs first and then wipe it evenly. In fact, these actions will make the alcohol evaporate faster, which will have the effect of cleaning hands or objects. It’s a big discount. Spray alcohol directly on the area you want to disinfect, and spray a sufficient amount to have an immediate effect on sterilization. Don’t just spray a little because you want to save alcohol, as it will be in vain for sterilization.
As for the rumor that drinking sorghum and whiskey can achieve “internal disinfection”, is it true or false? Zhao Mingwei explained that after contracting the epidemic, the new coronavirus will attack the human lungs, and the lungs are not places that alcohol and drinks can reach. Drinking too much will only cause a burden on the liver; what alcohol can bring to the general public is “Mental disinfection” is more likely to solve the sorrow of not being able to go out and play. It is better to listen to the “internal disinfection theory”.
In fact, whether it is alcohol or a mask, if you use it incorrectly, you will put yourself at risk of contracting the epidemic. Therefore, maintaining common sense of epidemic prevention and practicing it is not only important to interrupt community transmission, but also relatively speaking, it can also give frontline medical staff some breathing space. In the face of the new coronavirus, it is a time to test the “national quality”. We have no selfishness. Please spread the correct epidemic prevention knowledge to them and let them join in fighting the epidemic together.
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