How effective is hand sanitisers in killing germs & viruses
There is a lot of confusion over whether or not hand sanitisers are effective for killing germs and viruses. A hand sanitiser with over 60% alcohol, in clinical trials, have proven to be able to kill most types of germs and viruses. This is because alcohol is able to denature or change the shape of the proteins that protect or envelope many germs and viruses. But, it’s important to understand that alcohol does not kill many bacterial spores, some types of protozoa and a few of the non-enveloped viruses. Why not use straight alcohol? A question many ask is why do they dilute alcohol and not use it neat if it is so effective. The answers are, that alcohol by its self would destroy all the oils on the skin and cause the skin to dry out completely making it brittle and easy to break and crack. Adding moisturising agents and skin conditioners ensure that the hand sanitiser does not harm the skin The strength of hand sanitisers A hand sanitiser with a low alcohol concentration or h