Question

For effective sanitization, the minimum strength of a solution used to sanitize implements is:

A) 50%
B) 70%
C) 90%
D) 100%

Answer 1

The minimum strength of a solution used for effective sanitization is 70%, because in this concentration alcohols like ethyl alcohol or isopropanol are most effective at disrupting bacterial cell processes and structures.

Step-by-step explanation:

For effective sanitization, the minimum strength of a solution used to sanitize implements is B) 70%. This is because alcohols, which include ethyl alcohol and isopropanol, are most effective as disinfectants and antiseptics in this concentration range. At higher concentrations, such as 90% or 100%, alcohols cause rapid coagulation of surface proteins, which prevents the solution from effectively penetrating cells and killing microorganisms. A 70% alcohol solution manages to effectively coagulate proteins and also supports the penetration needed to kill microbes. Additionally, this concentration allows for the essential presence of water, which aids in the denaturing process of proteins within microbial cells, leading to their destruction.