Confirming the futility of most sanitizers and washing hands is better
As it turned out, more than half of pharmacies and store disinfectants do not correspond to the declared composition, says Anastasia Sisuliatina, a microbiologist.
According to the expert, in order to find out the effectiveness of antiseptics, they conducted a study. They took seven antiseptics of different brands of mass consumption (purchased at pharmacies and stores), to keep their names neutral, and the specialists were not told.
The analysis was performed on three strains of microorganisms. They differ in the structure of the cell wall, so antiseptics act differently on them. We considered the properties of antiseptics both in diluted and pure form.
A disinfectant was introduced into the nutrient medium, and then the bacteria were cultured. As a result, only one disinfectant suppressed the growth of all three strains of microorganisms. Others, Sisulliatina explained, either suppressed only one strain, partially suppressed growth, or did not suppress bacterial growth at all.
Also, these antiseptics were examined by chemists, and their conclusion was as follows: more than half of them do not correspond to the declared composition.
So: the disinfectants used by hospitals and laboratories, and the disinfectants on store shelves are another thing. The former really cleanses and helps, while the latter is very unlikely.
So it is better to wash your hands again, because the composition of what is mixed in the jar is not clear.”
As part of the same study, alcohol was taken 95%, 70%, 35%, as well as chlorhexidine. As a result, chlorhexidine killed all strains both in diluted form and in its natural concentration. Alcohol 95% too.
Alcohols at a concentration of 70% and 35% kill the strains partially and selectively.
“Just don’t rush to wipe yourself with pure alcohol and chlorhexidine – you may burn your skin. Wash your hands and remember that your immunity protects you on its own – take care of it.”
