It is interesting that since the horrendous murder of Mr. Floyd videoed on this past Memorial Day we have not heard a peep about Covid -19. I want to say that was nothing but a MURDER filmed for all to see. Also people DO NOT DRINK THE KOOL-AID, the subsequent rioting that has followed all over the Country has been enhanced by the powers that be sending in paid protestors. Here in Youngstown OH. , the protest was fairly peaceful, with the exception of damage done to one of our community colleges.

The Mayor quickly enforced an eight thirty curfew. There were about 500 people who were involved in the protest that did not live in the area. Paid protestors have been around many years and play a part in keeping us distracted to what is really happening. Number one the increased cases of Covid since reopening. Wake up , all major media reports what the folks with BIG BUCKS tell them to report. Which is why I for one follow the underground media.

Okay now that I have that off my chest, let us move on to the subject at hand. Which isopropyl alcohol would you choose? 70% vs 99% alcohol when it comes to Covid-19. I am pretty sure most of you would choose 99%, after all we are conditioned to think that more is better. Let me educate you that is not the case.

We have been doing everything we possibly can to find sanitizing products, hand sanitizers, Lysol, and disinfect wipes, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A major misconception is that the higher the concentration is better. Here is what you need to know.

Isopropyl alcohol 99% percent is pure isopropanol and isopropyl alcohol 70% is pure isopropanol diluted with 30 percent purified water by volume. They both kill organisms by denaturing their proteins. 70% alcohol dissolves their lipids against most bacteria, fungi, and many viruses.

In terms of disinfecting, higher concentrations are less effective at killing bacteria. Certain bugs, such as bacteria are better eliminated with a lower concentration of isopropanol because higher concentrations cause an external injury to the protective cell wall that shields these organisms. However remember that handwashing remains the best strategy when it comes to disinfecting surfaces. 99% isopropanol alcohol evaporates very quickly which doesn’t allow it to penetrate cell walls and kill bacteria thus it isn’t good for hand sanitizing.

It seems odd that the higher concentration is not better, but in some cases, including the spread of COVID-19, 99 percent isopropanol is too powerful of an alcohol solution. It breaks down the outside of the cell before it can penetrate the germ. On the other hand 70% alcohol is the perfect concentration of alcohol and water to cross a cell membrane, therefore attacking the whole cell and killing the bacteria.

This rule of thumb is dependent on the virus in question. Viruses structured such as the common cold and coronavirus can be broken down by alcohol solutions of 60 percent or higher. But there are viral structures such as norovirus, which cannot be killed by any concentration of alcohol. That is where handwashing reigns supreme as the most effective method for removing every form of virus and bacteria.

So for “RONA” use 60% or higher, just not pure alcohol, and wash your hands frequently. Stay safe out there. These are tough times but we will survive.

Peace and Blessings